Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Val Barrett, Nigel Cathcart and Charlie Nightingale. 

None. 

To authorise the Chairman to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2010 as a correct record. 

The Chairman was authorised to sign minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2010 as a correct record.

The Licensing Committee RECOMMENDS to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, the approval of the draft Licensing Policy as the recognised policy of South Cambridgeshire District Council in relation to Sex Establishments and Sex Entertainment Venues within the district, subject to the minor amendment to paragraph 15 agreed at the meeting.

Other Options Considered:

(a)               Not to progress the policy

(b)               Make amendments to the policy

Reason for Decision:

The policy was created to allow for both applicants and residents to better understand the processes when dealing with applications and enforcement matters. It gives clear and transparent guidelines on the Council’s stance in respect of such applications.

The Licensing Officer informed the committee that Faith Groups had been removed from the list of consultees prior to commencement of the consultation process and that no representations had been received in respect of the draft policy.

As a result of the ensuing discussion, the Licensing Committee AGREED the following amendments to the policy:

·         Para 15 to include the words as defined by s17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998 after Premises that are not sexual entertainment venues

·         Para 58 – replace the Licensing Officer and Cambridgeshire Constabulary with South Cambridgeshire District Council’s appointed officers.

The Licensing Committee RECOMMENDS to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, the approval of the Licensing Policy as the recognised policy of South Cambridgeshire District Council in relation to Sex Establishments and Sex Entertainment Venues within the district, subject to the amendments stated above.

The Licensing Committee RECOMMENDS to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, the draft Licensing Policy, subject to the changes agreed at the meeting, as the formal statement of licensing policy for Street Trading Consents within the district of South Cambridgeshire District Council

Other options considered:

(a)               Not to progress the policy

(b)               Make amendments to the draft policy

Reason for decision:

The Policy allows for both applicants and residents to better understand the processes when dealing with applications and enforcement matters. It also gives clear and transparent guidelines on the Council’s stance in respect of such applications.

Prior to consideration of the item, the Licensing Officer informed the Licensing Committee that he recommended that the Environmental Health Enforcement Policy, attached as Appendix C to the policy be removed as it was currently under review. This would be replaced by a new heading (para 14) at the end of the current policy entitled `Enforcement’ and the insertion of the following paragraphs:

14.1     Prior to pursuing enforcement action the Licensing Department will have regard to the relevant Council Enforcement Policy in place and consult with any partners as deemed appropriate.

14.2     In pursuing the objectives in para 1.1, the Authority will operate a proportionate and reasonable enforcement regime.

14.3     The responsibility for the overall supervision of Street Trading Consent licensing lies with South Cambridgeshire District Council’s appointed officers.

The Licensing Committee unanimously AGREED to the officer’s recommendation.

As a result of additional discussion at the meeting, the Licensing Committee AGREED the following amendments to the policy:

·         Para 5, 3^rd bullet point, include country or farmers markets

·         Para 9.8 – in the final sentence, remove the words or for any other reason and replace with a full stop after offence and a new sentence added to read There may be other reasons for refusal

The Licensing Committee RECOMMENDS to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, the Street Trading Policy, subject to the changes agreed above, as the formal statement of licensing policy for Street Trading Consents within the district of South Cambridgeshire District Council