Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Harman Banger and Patricia Patten.

There were no declarations of interest.

(a)  Meeting, 22 July 2015 [for approval]

(b)  Sub-Committee – meetings 22 July, 29 July and 5 August [for approval and adoption]

Resolved:

a)    That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2015 be approved as a correct record.

b)    That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 22 July, 29 July and 5 August 2015 be approved as a correct record and adopted.

Pursuant to minute 6 from the last Committee meeting in regard to the proposed revisions to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle, Driver and Operator Criteria, the Licensing Manager advise that he had received an email from the Chair of the Taxi Owners’ Association expressing concerns regarding the proposals.  It was noted that the proposals had been subject to wide consultation, including via the trade working group.  He further advised that the first sessions of the new training programme were due to take place the following week and that representation of both hackney carriage trade groups had been invited to attend.

Resolved:

            That the report be received.

[To receive an update in relation to the next steps for the Wolverhampton Alcohol Strategy]

The Head of regulatory Services introduced the report, which provided the Committee with an update in relation to progress with the implementation of  the Wolverhampton Alcohol Strategy and details of the next steps in  respect of a new tobacco, alcohol and other substances alliance.  Officers presented information on the individual goals contained in the current strategy as follows:

·         Goal one – a whole community approach to changing alcohol habits in Wolverhampton – Director of Public Health

·         Goal two – developing a well managed night time economy – Licensing Manager

·         Goal three – combating alcohol related crime and disorder and increase community safety due to alcohol misuse – Sergeant S Thomas West (West Midlands Police)

·         Goal four – improving health and alcohol treatment services in Wolverhampton – Director of Public Health

The officers responded to Councillors questions as follows:

·         The Cumulative Impact Zone/s would be subject to regular review and any changes are intelligence led.

·         Lapel Cams were a useful tool to provide evidence in court proceedings.

·         Formal action plans are implemented where discussions between the Police and premises regarding existing problems and the potential for future issues are held but proof unsuccessful.

·         Some schools were more engaged than others in respect of the Healthy Schools initiative, although a strong foundation had been made to build upon the current work.

·         It was acknowledged that Goal one should be aimed at the whole life course and more effort was to be focussed around prevention in the early years.

·         The establishment of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub would assist in the sharing of pertinent information between agencies.

Resolved:

            That the report be received.

To pass the following resolution:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 7 of Schedule 12A to the Act relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

Resolved:

            That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from meeting for the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 7 of Schedule 12A to the Act relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

Sub-Committee meeting, 21 August 2015 [for approval and adoption]

Resolved:

            That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 21 August 2015 be approved as a correct record and adopted.