Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Heames.

Cllr Welsh declared an interest in relation to the meeting of the licensing subcommittee that had considered the review of the Crewe Arms. Cllr Welsh had submitted a representation in relation to this.

To consider the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 10 April, 2014

Resolved:     That the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as a correct record.

To consider the minutes of meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committees

Resolved:     That the minutes be noted.

A report was submitted for Members to consider whether the Special Saturation Policy - agreed at the Committee’s meeting held on 3^rd July 2013 - was still required.

The guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 stated that there should be an evidential basis for the decision to include a Special Saturation Policy within the Statement of Licensing Policy.

The guidance also stated that once adopted, special policies should be reviewed regularly to assess whether they are still needed or whether they should be amended.

A presentation in favour of the retention of the Saturation Policy was given by Inspector Mark Barlow from Staffordshire Police. The Committee considered the evidence provided and discussed the greater problems relating to anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime that existed in neighbouring authorities where a Special Policy was not in force. The Committee agreed that the current Policy appeared to be working well in Newcastle. Member did however express some concerns regarding the information provided and requested that in the future the statistics relate specifically to licenced premises within the zone only.

Resolved:            That the current Saturation Policy be maintained and reviewed in 12 months.

There was no urgent business.