Agenda item - Annual Report of the Licensing Authority 2020

RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the report; and

(2) That officers continue to monitor trends of applications and illegal activity to inform future policy.

7.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities setting out the licensing and gambling functions for Brighton and Hove had carried out during 2020.

7.2      The report also sought to apprise the Committee Members of local and national issues. It was noted that Government legislature, local authorities and the hospitality sector had been severely impacted by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by statutory coronavirus – related legislation throughout 2020/21.

7.4      Councillor Simson asked whether it was known how many premises had closed during the pandemic and remained closed. The Head of Regulatory Services, Jim Whitelegg. Stated that it was difficult to ascertain this because premises did not always surrender their licence if they closed and there was a time delay before licences lapsed. Overall, year on year the number of licensed premises remained constant.

7.5      Councillors Moonan and Knight considered that it was useful for Members to know where premises were located and what type of premises they were and whether there were any changes/emerging, across the city.

7.6      Councillor Simson stated that it appeared that there had been an increase in the number of new licence applications and sought clarification whether that was the case. It was confirmed that the number of applications had remained constant with increases in some types of application.

7.7      In answer to questions by Councillor Moonan it was confirmed that in consequence of the pandemic there had been an increase in the number of minor applications and requests for variations and it was agreed during discussion that the feasibility of providing an interim report bringing together the available data would be beneficial as it would provide members with a timely update. Members were concerned that incrementally variations could be used as a means of effecting major changes which could significantly change the nature of a business.

7.8      Councillor Simson noted that there appeared to have been an increase in the number of applications for new premises licences recently. Of major concern was the fact that there had been an increase in number of across city delivery services involving alcohol sales, this appeared to be a “grey” area and needed to be monitored.

7.9      RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the report; and

(2) That officers continue to monitor trends of applications and illegal activity to inform future policy.