Agenda item - Covid19 Update – Licensing and hospitality sector

Report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities (copy attached)

RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of this report and that officers should continue to take action as appropriate.

27.1    The  Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities, the purpose of which was too provide an update on the report taken to the November meeting of the Committee on the effects on Licensing, both the trade and the service, from the impact of Covid 19 and the subsequent restrictions brought in intended to limit transmission of the virus.

27.2    Councillor Simson referred the arrangements which had been put into place in relation to the previous and current lockdowns and to the arrangements announced by the Government for a phased relaxation of the current arrangements for re-opening businesses. Councillor Simson asked whether Officers had any indication at this stage as to the number of businesses which would be re-opening and the number which would not. The Regulatory Services, Jim Whitelegg, explained that was difficult to ascertain, the overall position would not become clear until the current lockdown arrangements were lifted.

27.3    Councillor Henry enquired regarding lessons learnt as a result of the pandemic and it was explained that cross/interdepartmental working and working with other agencies had worked very well and that some of the processes put into place would continue post lockdown and would ensure that measures could be put into place rapidly should further lock-downs be required at a future date.

27.4    RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of this report and that officers should continue to take action as appropriate.