Agenda item - Statement of Licensing Policy Review

Extract from the proceedings of the Licensing Committee meeting held on the 29th November, 2018 (copy to follow); together with a report of the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copy attached).

51.1      Councillor O’Quinn introduced the report which detailed the outcome of a review of the Statement of Licensing Policy and the recommendation of the Licensing Committee for the revised policy to be adopted by the Council.  She noted that an extensive consultation exercise had been undertaken and had led to the redefinition of café bars to cafes in regard to ceasing the sale of alcohol from such establishments. She also wished to applaud Councillor Deane for her work in bringing this matter forward which had then been taken up by the committee.

51.2      Councillor Hyde stated that she wished to commend the report to the council and noted that those Members who served on Licensing Panels had expressed their concerns about the proliferation of café bars and fully supported the re-designation.

51.3      Councillor Deane supported the comments and thanked both Councillors O’Quinn and Hyde for their joint work and the officers for bringing forward the revised policy.  There was a clear need to address the problems associated with alcohol and the restriction and changes to the special stress area as outlined in the report would help.

51.4      Councillor Wealls thanked Councillors O’Quinn, Hyde and Deane and the Licensing officers for their work in bringing the revised policy to  the council and hoped that it would see an improvement in regard to the anti-social behaviour encountered in central Hove.

51.5      Councillor O’Quinn thanked everyone for the comments and stated that the council had a fantastic licensing team and should be proud of the work undertaken.  She believed it was a good example of cross-party working and recommended the policy to the council.

51.6      The Mayor noted that the recommendation of the Licensing Committee had been moved and put it to the vote which was carried unanimously.

51.7      RESOLVED: That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy as detailed in the report be approved and adopted by the Council.