Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2017, copies of which had been circulated, were taken as read, and having been approved were signed by the Chairman as a correct record of the proceedings.

The minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee meetings held on 28^th November 2017, 18^th January 2018, 22^nd January 2018 and 22^nd February 2018 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Neil Bloomfield, Nigel Gage, Wes Read, Linda Vijeh, Martin Wale and Nigel Marston, Specialist Services Manager.

In accordance with the Council's current Code of Conduct (as amended 26 February 2015), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests, Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the Agenda for this meeting.

During consideration of Agenda Item 5 – Licensing Act 2003 – Updates, Cllr. Val Keitch declared a personal interest as she was a season ticket holder at Yeovil Town Football Club.

a)    Questions/comments from members of the public

This is a chance for members of the public and representatives of Parish/Town Councils to participate in the meeting by asking questions, making comments and raising matters of concern.

There were no members of the public present at the meeting.

The Licensing Officer summarised the agenda report.  She advised members of the following:

·         An application had been received for a hypnotism permit, the first since the Licensing Act 2003 came into force.  The Health & Safety Team were advised of the application.  No comments were received and the permit was granted;

·         During the period 1^st April 2017 to 31^st March 2018 eighteen applications had been received for a new premises licence; eleven were successfully negotiated,  four resulted in a hearing and two failed to advertise their application correctly;

·         An appeal had been lodged by Shindig Productions Ltd with South Somerset Magistrates’ Court with regard to the decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee;

·         Objections had been received relating to five Temporary Event Notices received for the period 1^st April 2017 to 31^st March 2018;

·         Yeovil Football and Athletic Club had been granted a new premises licence.  The person capacity had increased from 6,000 to 9,565 and the intention was to hold up to five concerts per annum at the premises where the capacity is 4,000 persons or more;

·         Six unannounced visits were made to betting shops with the Gambling Commission.  Further future visits were in the process of being planning;

·         There would be no Licensing Officers available on 19^th April 2018 as they would be attending a training course.

In response to questions, members were informed of the following:

·         London was the only area that could charge a fee for applications submitted under the Hypnotism Act 1952 as only London was included in the legislation;

·         Shindig Productions Ltd were appealing against the decision made by the Licensing Sub Committee to cease the supply of alcohol and live entertainment at 2.00am.

Members were content to note the report.

The Licensing Enforcement Officer summarised his report updating members on the work of the licensing enforcement team.  He mentioned the following points:

·         A taxi and private hire joint agency vehicle enforcement check with the Police, HMRC & DVSA had been completed during the previous six months.  Only minor issues were raised and no vehicles were taken off the road;

·         The Licensing Enforcement Officer continued to issue penalty points for minor issues such as failing to display side plates correctly, smoking in a vehicle and using a dirty vehicle;

·         Two drivers appeared before the Licensing Sub Committee for accumulating twelve or more points under the Council’s penalty points scheme;

·         Fifty five vehicles were suspended for failing to comply with licensing conditions which mainly related to drivers not providing interim MOT certificates.  Under the new policy the number of miles on the vehicle determined the number of MOTs required throughout the year;

·         A joint visit to Tattoo Parlours and late night refreshment premises was carried out with a member of staff from the Children’s Society to raise awareness surrounding child sexual exploitation.  It was hoped that further visits would be arranged;

·         The number of street traders had decreased due to carnivals now being exempt.

Members were content to note the report.

Members noted that the next meeting of the Licensing Committee would be held on Tuesday 12^th June 2018 at 10.00am.