Agenda item - Future Licensing Panel Hearing Arrangements - June 25

32.1    The Licensing Committee lawyer introduced the report to the committee.

          Answers to Committee Member Questions

32.2    There were no questions

          Vote

32.3    A vote was held, and the committee agreed the recommendations unanimously.

32.4    RESOLVED:

2.1.     That the committee’s terms of reference, as set out in Appendix A to this report, be noted.

2.2.     That the Committee establish the Licensing Panel as a sub-committee (the membership of such Licensing Panel shall consist of three Members from the trained Members on the Licensing Committee, who will be able to sit on a panel and substitute for any designated Member of the Panel) to deal

with licensing applications in accordance with the Terms of Reference are set out at Appendix A to this report.

2.3.     That the Committee agree to disapply the proportionality rules so far as a Licensing Panel is concerned in accordance with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990;

2.4.     That the establishment of an Urgency Sub-Committee consisting of the Chair of the Committee and two other Members (nominated in accordance with the scheme for the allocation of seats for committees), to exercise its powers in relation to matters of urgency, on which it is necessary to make a decision before the next ordinary meeting of the Committee be approved.

2.5.     That Committee notes the benefits of holding virtual meetings in terms of enabling greater participation in the Licensing process, and efficient use of resources, and resolves that Licensing Panels continue to meet virtually until June 2026. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it.

2.6.     That Committee delegates authority to the Director of Law and

Governance, after consultation with the Chair and deputy to determine arrangements for Licensing Panel hearings if any changes are required before the next available Licensing Committee.

2.7.     That the Committee recommends that in exercising this authority the above officer takes into account all relevant factors including latest public health and government guidance, the situation with other council meetings and the need to ensure fair and transparent procedures in accordance with the Hearings Regulations 2005.