Agenda and minutes

To receive the apologies of any Member who is unable to attend this meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors D Smith and D Thomas.

To invite Councillors to declare any interests they may have in items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on

(Minutes attached)

RESOLVED that

the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th September 2009 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To seek endorsement on Licensing’s written Service Standards; which once adopted will indicate to customers the level of service they can expect from Licensing.

(Report attached)

Members considered a report which sought endorsement of the Licensing Service’s written Service Standards.

Officers reported that although there were no statutory requirements for the Council to publish Licensing Service Standards it had been recognised as good practice to provide written standards that indicate the level of service that customers can expect from the Service.

RESOLVED that

the Licensing Service Customer Standards, as amended and detailed below, be approved and published.

Licensing Service Customer Standards

The Licensing Service

The Licensing Section operates in connection with the Council’s role as the Licensing Authority for the Licensing and Gambling Acts and the Local Authority for the regulation of all other licensable activities. We work in partnership with the Police, Trading Standards, Businesses, Residents and other partner organisations.

Through advice and enforcement we seek to ensure high standards of operation from the premises and the services we licence.

It is the Licensing Service’s intention that all licence applications will be dealt with promptly.  However, many delays are caused by applicants who fail to submit all required documents.

Each licence or registration is considered in accordance with statute law, case law, any appropriate Council policy, the requirements of the Enforcement Policy and any applicable code of practice, guidance or condition.

In addition to the consultation, administration and licence production processes most applications require an inspection of the proposed premises or vehicle by officers of the Council.

The Licensing Service will when dealing with the investigation of complaints or possible breaches of licence conditions take enforcement action in line with our enforcement policy to ensure fairness and consistency.

Complaints and Compliments

If we do things well please tell us; but if you have a complaint please speak to the member of staff who has been dealing with you. They may be able to sort it out straight away. Alternatively, ask to speak to the manager. Complaints give us the chance to put things right and improve how we do things in the future. If you are still not satisfied we can give you our leaflet “How to make a complaint or compliment” which fully explains the formal complaints procedure. We are determined to provide quality, customer focussed services.

To endorse the application by Redditch Borough Council’s Licensing Officers to the Security Industry Authority (S.I.A.) for written authorisation, which will enable Licensing Officers to carry out entry and inspection powers in accordance with Section 19 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

(Report attached)

Members considered a report that sought endorsement of an application by the Council to the Security Industry Authority (S.I.A) for written authorisation, which would enable Licensing Officers to carry out entry and inspection powers in accordance with Section 19 of the Private Security Industry Act (2001).

Officers reported that such powers would prevent and detect offences in relation to door supervisors employed on Licensed Premises within the Borough on behalf of the S.I.A. and aid the Council’s Licensing Officers in the enforcement and management of community safety and the night time economy in partnership with the Police.  All enforcement visits to Premises Licensed under the Licensing Act (2003) would comply with the SIA Enforcement Policy Code of Practice.

RECOMMENDED that

an application to the Security Industry Authority (S.I.A.) for written authority be approved to enable Licensing Officers to carry out powers authorised by the Private Security Industry Act (2001).

To consider the adoption of the Revised Statement of Licensing Principles, which has been produced and consulted on in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005.

(Report attached)

The Committee considered a report that requested the Council’s adoption of the revised Statement of Licensing Principles in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Officers reported that the revised Statement of Licensing Principles had been produced in consultation with neighbouring Local Authorities in Worcestershire, Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority and MS Entertainments Ltd (Shipleys) Ltd.

Members were informed that, once adopted, the revised Statement of Licensing Principles would form the basis on which decisions would be made under the Gambling Act (2005) by the Licensing Committee, its Sub-Committees or Officers.  Any subsequent changes to the review would require full consultation with a wide range of statutory bodies.  By order of the Secretary of State, Licensing Authorities must publish the revised Statement of Licensing Principles by 14th January 2010.

RECOMMENDED that

the revised Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act (2005), as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, be adopted and added to the Council’s Policy Framework.

To consider and review the Committee’s Work Programme.

(Report attached)

Members considered the Committee’s Work Programme 2009/11.  Officers reported that informal invitations had been extended to West Mercia Police and Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards to give updates to future meetings.  Officers would amend the Work Programme once dates had been identified.

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.