Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Martin Donovan, Tim Saul, Fred Bruce, Sheila Johnston, Iain J MacNaughton and Martin Turnbull.

It was noted that the meeting was inquorate however the Chair received agreement from the Local Licensing Forum to continue with the meeting. 

The Forum agreed that all decisions would be homologated at the next quorate meeting of the Local Licensing Forum.

Local Licensing Forum 1 October 2015.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Local Licensing Forum held on 1 October 2015 were approved as a correct record.

Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2015.

Craig McNally, Senior Health Improvement Specialist (Drugs & Alcohol), NHS, gave a presentation on the Department of Public Health Annual Report – Alcohol.

The presentation covered:

·         Taking a balanced approach;

·         Good and bad news (epidemiology);

·         Recommendations;

·         Challenging culture in the family; and

·         Some local initiatives.

He provided some local and European wide statistical information in relation to excess alcohol consumption and related health problems.

It was pointed out that due to the recommended amount of alcoholic units for consumption per week having been reduced in 2016 the figures shown in the report relating to the effects of alcohol for men were likely to increase.

In conclusion he stated that a partnership approach to dealing with alcohol related health issues was required.

Members then went on to discuss possible initiatives which would help to highlight the health risks relating to alcohol consumption, and recognised that there would also have to be a cultural change in drinking habits.

The Local Licensing Forum (LLF) thanked Craig McNally for his presentation.

Decision

Members agreed to request that NHS Highland include Argyll and Bute Council Local Licensing Forum as members of any working group set up and tasked to take the recommendations in the report forward.

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services 22 May 2012.

Susan Mair, Legal Manager referred to the report by the Executive Director – Customer Services which had been approved by Council in May 2012.

It was pointed out that since that date, membership of the Local Licensing Forum (LLF) had changed considerably, and attendance levels at meetings had continued to decline.  It was noted however, that attendance levels increased when important topics requiring an input or action from the LLF had arisen.

Members discussed the potential future composition of the LLF, and methods to attract membership from a variety of organisations and businesses representative of the Argyll and Bute Council area.   It was noted that it was set out in statute that the Forum could have a maximum number of 21 members.

Decision

Members agreed that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Council on 21 April 2016 outlining a review of the recruitment to and membership of the Local Licensing Forum.

The Chair of the Local Licensing Forum (LLF) explained that he had been exploring opportunities to create better links between Scottish Local Licensing Forums and the Scottish Government. 

He had been also been made aware of instances where the Argyll and Bute Council LLF had not been notified or consulted by the Scottish Government on particularly relevant topics of interest.

It was suggested that following a review of the membership of the Forum that there may be the opportunity to focus on particular issues, and an opportunity given to invite presentations from various organisations on these.

Decision

Members noted the position and agreed that the Chair continue to discuss the potential for the framework of a National Licensing Forum with other Scottish Local Licensing Forums.

There was tabled report by Police Scotland which provided an update on policing in the Argyll and Bute area.

Decision

The Forum noted the position.

Decision

Members noted the future meeting dates of the Forum as follows;

·         Tuesday 10 May 2016 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber, Kilmory, Lochgilphead

·         Tuesday 9 August 2016 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber, Kilmory, Lochgilphead

·         Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber, Kilmory, Lochgilphead

·         Tuesday 6 December 2016 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber, Kilmory, Lochgilphead - Joint Licensing Board and Local Licensing Forum meeting.