Agenda item

To receive a presentation from officers of West Yorkshire Police on issues relating to policing and the night time economy in Leeds pertinent to the work of the Licensing Committee and its’ Sub Committees

(Report attached)

Further to minute 33 of the meeting held 13^th September 2011, the Committee welcomed officers of West Yorkshire Police (WYP) to the meeting to discuss issues relating to policing and the night time economy in Leeds city centre.

Chief Inspector V Francis; Chief Inspector S Palmer and Sergeant R Fullilove attended the meeting. Members noted that Ch. Ins. Francis had recently retired from his post and extended their best wishes to him. Ch. Ins Palmer was introduced as the new Chief Inspector for the city centre area. Sgt Fullilove led discussions on the following matters:

Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP)

WYP submitted schedules outlining decisions taken by the Licensing Sub Committees since January 2011 relating to applications from premises located within Cumulative Impact Area 1 (city centre) and those premises which featured in WYP Matrix system used to monitor premises which needed support from WYP

DVD presentation – The Committee viewed CCTV footage of the Albion Street/Merrion Street area taken on 21 September 2010 at approximately 02:00 hours showing the volume of patrons from local licensed premises on the street.

·  Sgt Fullilove reported on an incident of oversubscription to an event at a premises that evening; highlighting several contributory factors which resulted in a crushing incident

·  Members discussed their concerns with regards to the health and safety of both patrons of the premises and the public outside and expressed surprise that WYP had not sought a Review of the premises licence. Members felt that the premises should have been referred to the Committee such was the serious nature of this incident

·  Members noted the number of Matrix points amassed by  another venue over the previous 6 months and heard that although the premises management had changed; WYP felt the venue worked with them to tackle crime and disorder

·  WYP stated they also had regard to the size of a premises and volume of patrons before taking direct action. It was noted that the LCC Entertainment Licensing Enforcement Officers undertook regular compliance visits to licensed premises and visits in conjunction with WYP. A request for detail on any follow up action undertaken by LCC following the incident was noted.

Ch. Ins Francis stated that large, high capacity premises would statistically generate more points on the Matrix system. Some Members however did not fully accept that argument, stating that all premise licence holders had a responsibility to their patrons in terms of crime and disorder and public safety; regardless of the size of their venue.

Members supported a suggestion that representatives of premises causing concern to WYP should be invited to attend a Committee meeting to take part in discussions on the responsibilities of premise licence holders, the Committees’ concerns and how to make progress. Members also agreed that representatives of a premises that had previously been a cause for concern but had made significant improvements should be invited to attend a “best practice” type workshop

The Matrix System

·  Ch. Ins Palmer clarified the decision making process which had regard to the type of venue, capacity, nature of entertainment offered, clientele and whether that venue consistently worked with WYP

·  Members supported the continued use of the Matrix System, however commented that it could be refined to include a weighting system – having regard to capacity and number of incidents causing concern

·  Sgt. Fullilove provided further information on the top ten premises listed within the Matrix System, highlighting those premises with recurring issues which WYP sought to address

Members additionally discussed:

–  The prevalence of drug use amongst patrons in city centre premises and the actions undertaken by WYP to identify drug use

–  The correlation between alcohol pricing and incidents of crime and disorder

–  the importance of strong management to take ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the licensed premises, including management of the door team. Members considered whether a condition to set a minimum number of doorstaff could be introduced at premises causing serious concern

To conclude, Ch. Ins. Francis outlined what had been achieved in Leeds during his tenure, including the introduction of the Matrix System; additional police officers and the street marshal scheme sustained in partnership with the licensees and the reduction of violent crime by 40%.

The Committee thanked the officers of WYP for their presentation and welcomed the discussions it had generated

RESOLVED –

a) To note the contents of the presentation and discussions

b) To note the request for further information regarding the incident on 21 September 2010 and that consideration be given to inviting representatives of city centre premises to future meetings of the Committee

(Councillors Downes and G Hussain left the meeting at this point)