Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by Eric Box (Chair), Community Representative; Cath Cakebread, Argyll & Bute Addiction Team Manager; Violet MacLean, Community Representative; J Russell Buchanan, Ex-Licensee; and Kenneth Harrison; Community Representative.

None.

Local Licensing Forum 11 December 2009  

The minutes of the Local Licensing Forum of 11 December 2008 were approved as a correct record.

Discussion by Forum

The Forum discussed the idea of licensed premises “staggering” their closing times to cut down trouble and anti-social behaviour when patrons from many different premises congregate upon leaving.  The difference between hotel licenses and public house licenses was also discussed due to the extended opening hours hotels are granted.  It was also noted that if publicans so wished they could get together and agree scheduled closing times between them, which would not affect their ‘Duty to Trade’.

Decision

• Agreed to reiterate the request for the Licensing Board to give the Forum a clear steer on the different opening hours for hotels and public houses under the new licensing law.
• Agreed to support a pilot scheme of scheduled closing times, with results being reported back to the Forum before a final decision is made, if agreement could be reached on a voluntary scheme.

Update by Convener (verbal).  Correspondence circulated on behalf of Local Licensing Forum

The Head of Democratic Services and Governance reported that the letters have been issued to Community Councils and Eric Box would provide and update at the next meeting of the Forum.

Update from the Chair of the Argyll & Bute Alcohol and Drug Addiction Team (verbal)

Superintendent Park explained to the Forum that the aim of Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Addiction Team is harm reduction.  The Team has moved from Inverclyde NHS to NHS Highland, now with two teams; one in Inverness and one in Argyll.  Scottish Government is very supportive and has provided funding for a Co-ordinator for ADAT, with the interviews being held in the next couple of weeks.

The Forum had a discussion about the differences of licensed and unlicensed drinking and it was reported that alcohol-related cases have overtaken heart disease as a reason for hospital admissions.  It was agreed throughout the Forum that children need to be educated on the dangers of alcohol, perhaps by peer education to try to change the views that it is anti social not to have a drink.  The Forum discussed where children should go at nights to stop them hanging about the streets and drinking and Calum MacLachlainn stated that he would happily hand over one of his premises in the evenings during winter to provide somewhere for youngsters to go and be safe and alcohol-free.

Decision

• Agreed that ADAT be asked to look at the feasibility of supporting a diversionary activity where children would be able to go to a safe, supervised venue.

The Head of Legal and Protective Services left the meeting at 12pm.

Update from Convener (verbal) and letter from Chair of the Argyll & Bute Alcohol and Drug Addiction Team

The Forum considered a letter from Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drugs Team regarding the issue of displaying alcohol unit content at major outdoor events.

Decision

• Agreed to support the recommendations in the letter.

• Friday 20 February 2009 – Multi-Agency Training for Conveners of Forums / Boards and Licensing Standards Officers – Glasgow
• Friday 20 March 2009 – The 2^nd Annual Licensing Board Conveners’ Conference – “Preparing for the end of transition”, Edinburgh

The forum noted that Eric Box would be attending both the training days.

Update from Head of Legal and Protective Services and Strathclyde Police (verbal)

Superintendant Park reported to the Forum that following a request from the Chair, he can report that from December 08 to Jan 09 Strathclyde Police made 1120 visits to licensed premises in Argyll and Bute.  He also reported that in the same period there were 6 cases of underage drinking in licensed premises and sought the views of the Forum as to what kind of statistical information they required.

Decision

• Agreed that Superintendant Park would provide licensing related statistics to the Forum 6-monthly but if there are specific issues arising, statistics will be provided when requested.