Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by Catherine Dobbie, David Greenwell, George Ross, Brian Kupris, Louise Ballantyne and Thomas Gray.

None.

The Head of Democratic Services and Governance welcomed nominations for the role of Convener of the Local Licensing Forum

Decision

1.                  The Forum agreed and Eric Box accepted his re-election as Convener.

2.                  The Forum agreed there is no requirement, at this time, for the election of a Vice Convener.

Local Licensing Forum of 12 February 2009

The Local Licensing Forum minutes of 12 February 2009 were approved as a correct record.

Update by Convener

The Convener confirmed that the submission to all Community Councils within Argyll and Bute was completed in December.  The Head of Democratic Services and Governance confirmed that the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council are currently reviewing the Scheme of Community Councils, which will identify the role they should fulfil.  It is anticipated that this Review will be completed by the Autumn. 

Decision

The Forum agreed to wait until the review has been completed before contacting the Community Councils again.

Update on feasibility of supporting diversionary activities by ADAT

The ADAT Manager confirmed that the feasibility of supporting diversionary activities will be an agenda item at the next  ADAT meeting.

Discussion ensued regarding what activities are currently being offered to young people and what more could be done.  The Young Scot Coordinator highlighted Splashdown and the ADAT Manager mentioned the Oban Youth Café, which thanks to ADAT, secured funding to maintain the facilities it has to offer. 

Decision

1.                  The ADAT Manager agreed to provide an update on the diversionary activities at the next meeting. 

2.                  The Young Scot Coordinator agreed to give a presentation to the Forum after the summer on the success of Splashdown.

Update by Convener

The Convener gave a verbal update on the training event in Glasgow and identified issues for the Forum to develop.

Questions regarding the departure of John MacFarlane, National Licensing Officer, and the AFS website were raised.  It was noted that the vacant post would be advertised shortly and that the website was currently being updated. 

The Convener queried what the Scottish Government is doing about advertising the Act.  It was noted that this issue is to be discussed as part of the next AFS Working Group meeting.

Decision

1.         Agreed that Members of the Forum should look at the AFS website and feedback any suggestions they have for its improvement as soon as possible.     

(web address is www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk)

2.                  Agreed that once new appointment of National Licensing Officer is made by AFS, information on guidance should be sought.

3.         Agreed that a letter be sent to the Scottish Government seeking comment as to what it is proposing to do to promote awareness of the new Act's implications.

Update by Convener

It was reported that co-operation between the Licensing Boards and the Licensed Trade has been better than anticipated.

A discussion re Personal Licences took place in which it was agreed that a mail shot would be issued to all licensees next week to highlight the need for Personal Licences to be obtained by September.

There was also a lengthy discussion re bans from pubs/licensed venues and the penalties that can be implemented.  Comments were made that this appears to work well in Campbeltown, Oban and Helensburgh where Pub Watch schemes are in operation although several cases had been controversial.

A discussion followed regarding the importance of the role of the Licensing Standards Officer.  It was noted that Argyll and Bute recruitment was for one officer at present although this number could increase in future.

Decision

1.                   Agreed that the mail shot should seek licensees email addresses to reduce the cost of postage and make it easier to contact premises.

2.         Agreed that Tom Harper will arrange for Officers to attend premises about one week after the mail shot to highlight the need for Personal Licences.

Update by Head of Democratic Services and Governance

Charles apologised for the delay in this matter and advised that the advert would appear in this week’s papers.

Update by Head of Legal and Protective Services

It was noted that this matter had been delayed due to a Strategic Review being conducted within Legal Services.

It was also noted that Steven Shaw was intending to resign and that Charles would bring a report to the Council regarding appointing a replacement in April, following receipt of his letter of resignation.

Decision

Charles to report to Council regarding vacancy arising from Steven Shaw’s anticipated resignation from Local Licensing Forum.

A note was tabled regarding the total number of premises issued with licences as at 31 March 2009.  This totalled 154 and it was noted that a further approximate total of 300 were in the pipeline.  Susan advised that she had asked staff to calculate the applications received and that they would target those who had not yet applied.

Decision

Susan to instruct staff to undertake calculation and target premises that have yet to apply.

A discussion regarding the collection of statistics occurred from which a number of outcomes were noted.  It was also noted that Police visits to licensed premises conducted in February 2009 were 682 and during March totalled 208.

Decision

1.                  Agreed that a breakdown for each area including Helensburgh would be provided.

2.                  Agreed that the statistics would be emailed to Melissa Stewart (Melissa.stewart@argyll-bute.gov.uk) prior to the next meeting in order to incorporate these within the agenda pack and that this would be built up over time in order to identify any trends.

3.                  Agreed that drug offences would be added to the collection of statistics.

4.                  Agreed that the long term statistics would be examined and if there was cause for concern a request for more information from Strathclyde Police would be made.

Article from Dunoon Observer provided by Head of Legal and Protective Services

 A briefing note was tabled regarding the introduction of a bottle marking initiative in Argyll and Bute.  Dunoon would be taking part in the pilot of this scheme from 1 April to 30 June 2009.  The project involves the marking of bottles with UV Pens to identify the premise from which they were purchased with the main objectives of:

-                      Reducing the volume of alcohol fuelled calls being received by Police.

-                      Identifying the main source or sources of alcohol being consumed in public areas by young people.

-                      Engaging with licence holders of local off-sales premises, raising awareness of staff, highlight their legal responsibilities and educating them about the effect the sales of alcohol to juveniles or irresponsible persons has on the local community.

-                      Identifying persons who habitually act as agents and purchase alcohol on behalf of persons under the age of 18 years and reporting same to the Procurator Fiscal.

-                      Identifying licence holders who may be selling to persons under the legal age, whether knowingly or not,

-                      Educating young people regarding the dangers of alcohol abuse, and

-                      Educating the public about the penalties faced for purchasing/supplying alcohol to underage persons.

Calum highlighted issues regarding hours of operation during the Mod in Oban.  Premises were in general requesting licences to 5am.  He also spoke of the possibility of publican-funded wardens.

It was noted that the Mod takes place for a week in October and that previous licences had been issued to 4am.  A pre-Mod meeting was suggested to brief all publicans which would involve the Police and Members of the Licensing Board. 

It was suggested that an alcohol free event could be held Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and that Calum would contact the Trade Association in Oban re promoting family friendly nights without alcohol to ascertain if there was support for a Young Scot branded event set against the Mod.

Decision

1.                  Agreed that Calum would report the proposal from Charles re alcohol free night being supported by Argyll and Bute Young Scot.

2.                  Agreed that the Local Licensing Forum would not express concern about 5am licences for the Mod provided the Board is satisfied that the event can be properly policed.

Charles queried whether Members felt it would be relevant to conduct further training, whether it was worthwhile for everyone to attend or mandatory for new members.

Decision

Agreed to wait until the 3 new appointments were in place before organising a training session.