Issue - meetings

The current Policy Statement was circulated to the Forum in advance of the meeting and it was suggested that the Members of the Forum flag up any issues they would like addressed and that these be discussed in sequential order.

Decision

It was agreed to make the following suggestions to the Licensing Board:-

General Points

The LLF discussed statements such as “it would be helpful” and “the Board encourages” and were seeking to firm up the use of such terminology.  However, on the basis there were no sanctions available to enforce compliance they discussed the possibility of inserting a provision that these be complied with “in so far as appropriate to their premises”. 

Protecting and Improving Public Health

That information as to where to obtain posters with regard to sensible drinking, the effects of consumption of excess alcohol and contact points where assistance can be obtained for drink problems should be provided within the statement (AFS Website and/or ADAT Website).

Overprovision

It was agreed that Charles provide an update to the Chair of the Forum regarding where the Licensing Board are with their consultation (having noted that Strathclyde Police have been approached regarding the Statement of Overprovision).

Licensing Hours

That a provision to allow for seasonality be included.

Duty to Trade (8.3)

The LLF noted that the Board had been taking the view, that in the interests of economics of operating, premises may shut before the time specified within their operating plan.  They suggested that if it is the intention to do so, it would be recommended that a courtesy notice to this effect be displayed.

Extended Hours Applications

There was a suggestion that special events of local or national significance could be identified upfront.  The view of the Forum was that it was the responsibility of the Licensee to come forward and make a case for any application for extended hours.

Occasional Licences

Concern was expressed that voluntary organisations could run a licensed event with no training.  The Forum recommend that voluntary organisations undertake training by a recognised provider such as Servewise or Highfield. 

The Forum also recognised that there would be benefit in advertising this requirement and suggested that this be flagged up on the Council and AVS Websites.

The Forum accepted there may be instances where it was not possible for an organisation to have been trained before an event and therefore also recommended a statement in the policy to the effect that “The Board would not usually grant a second or subsequent application without staff having been training by a recognised provider”.

Paragraph 9.2

That for ease of reference this paragraph be split into 9.2a (for personal or premises licence holders) and 9.2b (voluntary organisations)

Paragraph 9.4

That the second paragraph of 9.4 should be numbered 9.5 and the subsequent paragraphs re-numbered accordingly.

Paragraph 10.1

That it be checked whether these were the most appropriate examples to give.

Public Awareness Materials – Safe Limits and Drink-Driving

Reference to be made to ADAT website for supply of notices etc.

Access by Children to Licensed Premises

The hours of access for children should be included?

Members Clubs

20.2 – Should reflect that if the event is for non-members beyond the authorised levels then an occasional licence should be applied for.

Licensing Standards Officer

This should be expanded given there is now an LSO in post.

Susan Mair had submitted a report advising that the Argyll and Bute Licensing Board Policy Statement was due for revision.  Susan advised that the Board had agreed at their recent meeting that this would go out to consultation with a return date of the end of July 2010.  The new Policy Statement would be required to be in place by November 2010.  Susan highlighted the areas of the Policy that required revision and invited the Forum to provide comment.  She suggested that this be focused on at the next meeting of the Forum on 13 July 2010.  Charles advised that because there were a number of different views on the document, the Forum had 3 options; option 1 for everyone on the Forum to provide their own personal response; option 2 for the formation of a Group to discuss and provide a response on behalf of the Forum and Option 3 for the Forum to discuss at a separate meeting, come to a conclusion and provide a joint response.

After discussion it was agreed that a date would be agreed with the Chair for a workshop to be held for the Forum to discuss the review of the Policy Statement and provide a joint response to the Board.  The details of this workshop would be conveyed to the Forum once agreed.

Sheila Johnston requested that additional background information be provided on the areas highlighted for review by Susan.  Susan agreed that she would provide this.