The Licensing Committee received a Department for Culture, Media and Sport consultation document relating to a proposal to deregulate regulated entertainment.

Members considered the questions contained within the document and as a result of the ensuing discussion, the following responses were agreed:

Deregulation of Schedule 1

Q1: Do you agree that the proposals outlined in this consultation will lead to more performances, and would benefit community and voluntary organisations? If yes, please can you estimate the amount of extra events that you or your organisation or that you think others would put on?

The majority of premises within South Cambridgeshire already hold licences, there are currently 89 community based premises with entertainment provision out of a maximum of approximately 102. The current regime allows for premises to have a degree of flexibility by use of TENS whilst allowing the regulatory body (The Licensing Authority) to consider the expectations, particularly of nearby residents, in the promotion of the licensing objectives. It is not expected that the removal of Schedule 1 would increase the number of performances or events in South Cambridgeshire.

Q.2 If you are replying as an individual, do you think this proposal would help you participate in, or attend, extra community or voluntary performance?

N/A

Q3: Do you agree with our estimates of savings to businesses, charitable and voluntary organisations as outlined in the impact assessment? If you do not, please outline the areas of difference and any figures that you think need to be taken into account (see paragraph 57 of the Impact Assessment).

It is difficult to agree with any such assessment especially when there are so many assumptions throughout the impact assessment. The cost saving is not a realistic reflection as it is primarily a time saving to the applicant. Therefore, it would be better to simplify the forms across the entire Act.

Q4: Do you agree with our estimates of potential savings and costs to local authorities, police and others as outlined in the impact assessment? If you do not, please outline the areas of difference and any figures you think need to be taken into account.

No, The current system allows for Local Authorities to be aware of events that are happening within the area, i.e if a TEN is served and there is an associated risk of noise nuisance, the EHO/Licensing officer work pattern can be amended to be available for monitoring or enforcement at no extra direct cost to the Local Authority. The removal of an entertainment licence will result in a reactive response to problems which is more costly to this rural authority by way of an “out of hours service” which typically involves extra payments for officers to attend, a typical cost for a 2/3 hr call out is around £80 plus mileage and telephone costs which is passed on, indirectly, to the taxpayer.

Q5: Would you expect any change in the number of noise complaints as a result of these proposals? If you do, please provide a rationale and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.