Agenda item - Future Licensing Panel Hearing Arrangements

RESOLVED:

1.    That Committee noted 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 March 2024. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it.

2.    That Committee delegated 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 March 2024.

3.    That the Committee recommended 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.

10.1 Rebecca Sidell introduced the report starting on page 83 of the Agenda.

10.2 Councillors Pickett and Theobald raised that virtual meetings are more accessible and democratic.

10.3 Councillor Cattell raised that virtual meetings are more sustainable as people aren’t travelling into Hove Town Hall, but that issues could arise where invitees don’t have English as their first language and a translator would be helpful.

10.4 Councillor Czolak was informed that the following reasons would be why a panel would be held in person:

·       It is a complex application;

·       The applicant has requested it in person;

·       People who are less technologically able are attending and it would be easier for them;

Councillor Czolak was also informed that hybrid meetings can be arranged where people come into Hove Town Hall and can join a virtual meeting using Council equipment.

10.5 Councillor Hewitt suggested an amendment that the recommendations be extended until March 2024 to avoid holding the same item in October 2023, which was passed by Committee.

10.6 Councillor Sheard was informed that the final decision whether to hold a Licensing Panel in person would be down to the Panel and Legal advisor.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Committee noted 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 March 2024. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it.

2.    That Committee delegated 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 Licensing Committee in March 2024.

3.    That the Committee recommended 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.