Agenda item - Review of Licensing Panel Hearings Arrangements

RESOLVED:

1.    That Committee notes the ongoing risk of fluctuation in relation to Covid infection rates as well as the additional benefits of holding virtual meetings in terms of enabling participation in the Licensing process and recommends that Licensing Panels continue to meet virtually until June 2023. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it.

2.    That Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director - Governance, People & Resources after consultation with the Chair and group spokespersons to determine arrangements for Licensing Panel hearings until the next Licensing Committee in June 2023.

3.    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

26.1 The Legal Advisor (Rebecca Sidell) introduced the report.

26.2 Councillor Pissaridou was informed that members of the public hadn’t been consulted on the recommendations as it was the decision of the Licensing Authority, however anyone that has requested an in person hearing so far has received one.

26.3 Councillor Simson raised that it would be helpful to confirm whether in-person Panels were webcast, and asked if there was any data that could be obtained to see how many people were watching the webcasts.

26.4 Councillor Moonan raised that if in-person Panels are happening, a room should be reserved for Democratic Services that is an adequate size. Thomas Bald raised that there could be potential for Democratic Services to take precedence on booking rooms where none are available.

26.5 Councillor Theobald raised that virtual panels are helpful and more accessible, and was concerned that having in-person Panels would prove more difficult to include people who are used to attending online.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Committee notes the ongoing risk of fluctuation in relation to Covid infection rates as well as the additional benefits of holding virtual meetings in terms of enabling participation in the Licensing process and recommends that Licensing Panels continue to meet virtually until June 2023. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it.

2.    That Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director - Governance, People & Resources after consultation with the Chair and group spokespersons to determine arrangements for Licensing Panel hearings until the next Licensing Committee in June 2023.

3.    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