Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy, spanning a five year period up until December 2026, be adopted; and

(b)       Any decision to make changes to the policy during the five year term be delegated to the Licensing Committee.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) introduced the report and explained that this was the fifth Statement of Licensing Policy to be issued which outlined the expectation of the Licensing Authority in relation to applicants.  It also detailed what applicants and service users might expect from the Licensing Authority.

Officers had undertaken a review of the current policy, taking into account any relevant changes in legislation, guidance and good practice.  The review was undertaken in partnership with other North Wales Local Authorities as part of an ongoing effort to achieve consistency, where possible, across the region.

The proposed Draft Statement of Licensing Policy for the period December 2021 – December 2026 was appended to the report.  The final draft showed the changes made by officers prior to consultation in red, and the changes made since the consultation in blue.  A summary of the changes was provided in the report.

Two responses had been received in respect of the consultation, from a representative of Public Health Wales, and a representative for Premises Licence Holders.  Details of those responses were also appended to the report.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Sharps and seconded by Councillor Small.

Councillor Sharps expressed his thanks to the Licensing Team for their continued efforts during the pandemic to continue to ensure that customers remained supported.  He thanked them for adapting the way in which they worked to ensure service delivery was maintained which was welcomed by all of their clients.

In response to a question from Councillor Bithell, the Licensing Team Leader explained that there was an error in the appendix at 3.19, and clarified that the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was not required to consult on any conditions it placed in relation to fire safety matters.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy, spanning a five year period up until December 2026, be adopted; and

(b)       Any decision to make changes to the policy during the five year term be delegated to the Licensing Committee.