Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Hambleton, Cllr Welsh and Cllr Wooley.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 23 October, 2014

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

Resolved:     That the minutes be noted and agreed.

To receive a verbal update on 'Purple Flag'.

The Council’s Community Safety Officer (Alcohol Lead) provided an update on the Purple Flag Scheme which had been officially launched on Friday 28^th November 2014. There would be a light touch review of the Council’s scheme in November and an action plan had been produced to ensure that the recommendations from the assessors were being taken into consideration. Planned actions included an expansion of the CCTV system and enhanced support for the Street Chaplain Scheme and first aid in the Town Centre. Signage would also be improved and attention would be given to revitalising the late night and early evening economy. Links would also be made with the proposed Business Improvement District and Town Centre Partnership which it was thought would have a big role to play in its development.

Cllrs queried whether the message was filtering through to members of the public regarding the safety of the Town Centre in the evening and night time. Officers stated that this was happening, mainly through the work of the Town Centre Manager and the Safer Nights Campaign which was a joint project between the Council and the Police.

Members stated that they had noticed a good improvement in the Town Centre and that positive feedback had been received from constituents.

The Chair questioned whether there had been any development regarding the Reducing the Strength Scheme. Officers stated that at the moment the scheme was on hold following information received in relation to completion rules.

Resolved:     That the update be noted.

The Council’s Solicitor highlighted the areas that would be included in the de-regulation Act from 6 April 2015 should the Order be agreed. These included:

1.    The provision of entertainment by or on behalf of local authorities, health care providers or schools on their own defined premises

2.    Live music in relevant alcohol licensed premises and workplaces

3.    Recorded music in relevant alcohol licensed premises (not workplaces)

4.    Live and recorded music held by 3rd parties in schools, hospitals, local authority and community premises.

Resolved:     a)         That the update be noted.

                        b)         That a full report be brought to the Committee once the Order had been passed.

Officers stated that both the Licensing and Gambling Policies would be for renewal this year and it was recommended that both policies be brought to the first meeting of the Committee following the elections.

Resolved:     That the Gambling and Licensing Policies be brought to the first meeting of this Committee after the elections.