Agenda and draft minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meetings held on 20 October 2025 and 18 December 2025.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meetings of the Licensing Committee held on 20 October 2025 and 18 December 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To approve the Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Service Delivery Manager (Registrars, Public Protection, Legal & Democracy) presented the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy Consultation, 2026-2031.  It was reported that under Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 the councils’ Statement of Licensing Policy should be reviewed every five years.  A public consultation had taken place and an amended Policy produced by officers which was before Members for approval with a recommendation that the Policy be adopted by Full Council.

As the responsible authority, the council was responsible for the administration and determination of applications for personal licences, premises licences, club premises certificates and temporary event notices (TENs) as well as ensuring that licence holders complied with the four key licensing objectives being the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.  The Statement of Licensing Policy remained complaint and reflected the local need in relation to licensing schemes across the borough. 

A six-week consultation had taken place and invitations to take part in the consultation had been sent to the police, public health, trading standards and the fire service, together with all licensing premises and qualifying clubs.  The consultation had also been advertised through communications channels.  The consultation closed on 5 December 2025 and a significant number of responses had been received compared to previous consultation exercises and these were set out in the report. 

Key themes from public health included violence against women and girls, Martyn’s Law, drink and needle spiking, safeguarding and CSE.  It was reported that the licensing authority could decide to look at the cumulative impact of licensed premises and could effect presumption and new applications be refused.  This approach had been taken in other areas of the country and had been prompted by significant cases of disorder with the police taking the lead in such matters.  In respect of the cumulative impact within Southwater this would be considered, if it was deemed absolutely necessary, but there was no indication locally that this would be required. 

The World Heritage Site Coordinator had requested inclusion of a paragraph in relation to the Iron Bridge to ensure consideration of the World Heritage Site’s character in licensing decisions and this would help to prevent any areas of friction. 

Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) had asked for additional wording to reflect the positive impact of having the LSAVI accreditation within local licensed premises and this was something that should be encouraged.

General feedback received included the serving of alcohol near lakes or rivers, licensing provisions for Christmas and New Year, the use of gender-neutral terms in sections on Women’s and Vulnerable Safety, together with exit strategies, a proposal for a standard closing time of 11:00 pm for alcohol retailers, concerns about tables and chairs being placed on highways causing nuisance. 

It was explained that in relation to any conditions of licence, this would be dealt with at the point of application or a review would take place if necessary.    In relation to the gender-neutral initiative,  ...  view the full minutes text for item LIC11