Issue - meetings

A report is attached on the Review of Statement of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impacts. There will also be a presentation at the meeting.

Cathryn Brown, Team Manager for Licensing and Environmental Protection gave a presentation to the Panel (presentation slides are attached to these minutes). She also introduced Geoff Cannon from Avon and Somerset Police. The presentation covered the following:

·  What is the Statement of Licensing Policy

·  Role in promoting the local economy

·  Opportunity to celebrate what has already been achieved

·  Code of best practice for licensed premises

·  Review of Cumulative Impact Policy

·  Existing Cumulative Impact Area (CIA)

·  How incidents of crime and disorder in ‘on trade’ premises have changed since 2004

·  Proposed Cumulative Impact Assessment

·  Public consultation

The officer explained that the Panel’s comments on the above would be fed into the formal consultation.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Craig asked if feedback has been sought from residents as well as from the police. The officer confirmed that residents associations had been consulted.

In response to Councillor Craig’s query regarding whether the police are always notified of anti-social incidents, the police representative explained that information from street marshals’ mirrors the call information. He further explained that some incidents are dealt with in-house and reported through the Pub Watch scheme. He confirmed that he looks at every single incident log to make sure all data is captured.

Councillor Davies stated that the cumulative impact area was being drawn down into the town more (away from Walcot Street) and commented that there is not a residents association in that area. The officer explained that Abbey Residents Association had been consulted and took contact details for Councillor Davies about confirming the boundaries of the residents associations in the area.

Councillor Hirst asked why the zone needs to be changed if it was working and also whether fast food outlets could be looked at. The officer explained that legislation demands that evidence must back up the reason for the boundary so to leave it as it is could attract challenge. She explained that licensing legislation is restrictive and there is no opportunity to influence the location of fast food outlets. It was explained that the public health team would be best placed to comment on this.

In response to a question from Councillor Wait the officer confirmed that there is no other CIA in the authority at this time.

Councillor Craig informed the Panel and officers of the new Kingsmead Square Residents Association. The officer asked that Panel members inform her of any other Residents Associations or groups that could be consulted.

In response to a question from Councillor Johnson, the police representative explained that there is a small increase in incidents in term time but that Bath University now encourages students to use on site facilities. The officer also added that the Council works closely with the Student Community Partnership on issues relating to student welfare.

Geoff Cannon (Avon & Somerset Police) commented that licensing services in the authority are well joined up and are recognised for best practice.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.