Agenda and minutes

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of interest

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dunn, Hanley and Selby. It was noted that Councillor Downes would join the meeting later

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 28^th June 2011 as a correct record

(copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the last meeting held 28^th June 2011 be agreed as a correct record

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on proposals to introduce a formal constitution for Hackney Carriage Trade Forum meetings and to approve an amendment to the existing terms of reference for Licensing sub committees to include a provision to hear any appeals as a result of decisions made after evaluations of applications to sit on the new Forum

(report attached)

The Head of Licensing and Registration submitted a report on proposals to introduce a formal Constitution for the Hackney Carriage Trade Forum meetings. Adoption of the Constitution would require an amendment to the existing terms of reference for the Licensing sub committees to include provision to hear any appeals as a result of decisions made after evaluations of applications to sit on the new Forum.

The report included a copy of the Constitution and outlined the consultation undertaken with the both the Hackney Carriage (HC) and the Private Hire (PH) trades, and the public.

(Councillor Downes joined the meeting at this point)

The Head of Licensing and Registration addressed the comments submitted by the JTC and read out the contents of a late response from a member of Citycabs, addressing each point in turn.

The Committee noted the Constitution would ensure that all organisations which applied to join the Forum would be treated in equable way. All applicants would be required to fulfil the same criteria for recognition through submission of documentation to show their own constitutions; details of membership, how officers were appointed and how frequently, and importantly how the organisation sought views from and disseminated information to their Members. It was noted that the Constitution also set the process by which individual HC drivers who may not be members of a recognised organisation could submit a representation to the new Forum.

Members also noted the intention to introduce a formal Constitution for the PH trade forum in due course

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report, the draft Constitution and the comments of Members be noted

b)  To note that the current Hackney Carriage Trade Forum will be dissolved on 31 December 2011 and that the new Forum will be established with effect from 1 January 2012

c)  To amend the existing terms of reference for the Licensing sub committees to include provision to hear any appeals as a result of decisions made after the evaluation of applications to sit on the new Forum using the Constitution

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on the development of the Statement of Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments. The report  sets out the results of a public consultation and includes the final version of the Policy for endorsement by the Committee.

(report attached)

The Head of Licensing and Registration submitted a report on the development of the Statement of Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments. The Council had adopted the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009 in January 2011 and now proposed to use those powers. This would add the regulation of sexual entertainment venues (such as lap dancing clubs) to sex shops and sex cinemas as they were all venues falling into the category of “sex establishment” under the Act and proposed Policy.

A copy of the draft policy and the results of the public consultation undertaken between April – July 2011 were included within the report. The Principal Project Officer outlined the work undertaken by the Sexual Entertainment Venue Working Group (SEV WG) – established by the former Licensing and Regulatory Panel - throughout the development of the draft policy and the liaison which had taken place with interested parties and the relevant trades.

The Committee noted the SEV WG had closely considered the themes of gender/equality; locality/numbers; advertising and the welfare of the workers during the development of the Policy. Members briefly discussed issues relating to:

• Private booths and supervision of the performances
• Vehicles being used as a means to encourage patrons to attend the venues
• Noted the arrangements in place for existing establishments to apply for new Licences under the proposed new licensing regime

Members welcomed the draft policy as an opportunity to raise standards and awareness and to protect those employed within the trade. The Committee thanked all of the officers; particularly the Principal Project Officer, who had been involved in the development of the Policy.

RESOLVED – That the report of the SEV WG and the draft Statement of Licensing of Policy for Sex Establishments be endorsed by the Licensing Committee and be referred to Executive Board for approval.

To note the contents of the Licensing Work Programme for the 2011/12 Municipal Year

(copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the contents of the Work Programme be noted

To note the date of the next meeting as Tuesday 16^th August 2011 at 10.00 am

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 16^th August 20011 at 10.00 am