Agenda item - Statement of Licensing Policy

31.1    The Licensing & Enforcement Manager introduced the report to the committee.

          Answers to Committee Member Questions

31.2    Councillor Sykes was informed that the data in the report regarding alcohol deaths was provided by Sussex Police. The cost of appealing a licensing refusal is being looked at, with a preference to increase the cost. Venues are working hard to be safe; however, street drinking is an issue. Night Marshalls and Safe Spaces will continue. It is not seen that there will be more pressure on these services. Café drinking is considered easier to control.

31.3    Councillor Parrott was informed that the presumption to refuse is still in place. The statement of policy report is to raise the bar. The sexual assault figures are abhorrent. Customers are safer in venues. The ‘White Ribbon’ scheme will not be policy; however, it could be part of ‘best practice’. ID should be checked by takeaway delivery app drivers.

31.4    Councillor Hewitt was informed that the public engagement will last ten weeks and include city wide groups and LGBTQ+ discussions.

31.5    Councillor Thomson was informed that residents will still be able to object to applications. Vulnerable persons will continue to be protected. Negotiations for more night time buses and Thameslink are to be held. St Paul’s church will still be open as a safe space. The licensing matrix allows the opening of new venues; however, favouritism will be given to existing venues when applying for licenses. Education should include ‘spiking’ of drinks.

31.6    Councillor Nann was informed that more education around alcohol would be welcomed. Eating as well as drinking should be encouraged. The university of Sussex has been included in the consultation process.

31.7    Councillor Cattell was informed that a 6-month review of policy would be welcomed.

31.8    Councillor Davis was informed that the underage drinking was an issue, and getting people into venues would help. The Glasgow 10am to 10pm policy is not possible in Brighton and Hove. The presumption is to make off sales as difficult as possible. A diverse culture will be promoted under the changes. A review would be welcomed.

31.9    Councillor Pickett was informed that a conversation regarding restricting the number of licenses was ongoing. The new City Safety Area (CSA) would be larger than the existing Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The policies will favour food venues. It is not possible to restrict alcohol delivery by takeaway delivery apps.

31.10  Councillor Sheard was informed that the male assaults were being looked at as well as female. Support groups are being consulted.

          Vote

31.11  A vote was held, any by 8 to 3 abstentions, the committee agreed the recommendations.

31.12  RESOLVED: To authorise officers to initiate consultation regarding a review of the Statement of Licensing Policy, including the following proposals to consult on (Please note: more detail and background on these proposals is contained in section 3 and the appendices of the report):

2.1      Replace the current Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) with a City Safety Area (CSA).

2.2      Retain the current Special Stress Area (SSA) and other areas. (detailed at 3.3 of the draft SoLP)

2.3      A focus on safety as the central priority and introduction of new set of best practice measures for the CSA and SSA.

2.3a    Update the current Matrix approach and table to include new categories of premises including Grassroots Music Venues and changes to the hours for some types of premises.

2.4      Introduce a ‘Good Operator Policy’.

2.5      Update out of date/irrelevant data, legislation and text, update night time economy safeguarding initiatives. Add in sections on LGBTQ+ venues and inclusivity, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Modern Slavery and Martyn’s Law.