Decision - Licensing Committee and Future Licensing Panel Hearing Arrangements

RESOLVED: 1. That the committee's terms of reference, as set out in Appendix A to this report, were noted. 2. That the Committee established the Licensing Panel as a subcommittee (the membership of such Licensing Panel shall consist of three Members from the trained Members on the Licensing Committee, who will be able to sit on a panel and substitute for any designated Member of the Panel) to deal with licensing applications in accordance with the Terms of Reference are set out at Appendix A to this report. 3. That the Committee agreed to disapply the proportionality rules so far as a Licensing Panel is concerned in accordance with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990; 4. That the establishment of an Urgency Sub-Committee consisting of the Chair of the Committee and two other Members (nominated in accordance with the scheme for the allocation of seats for committees), to exercise its powers in relation to matters of urgency, on which it is necessary to make a decision before the next ordinary meeting of the Committee be approved. 5. That Committee noted the ongoing risk of fluctuation in relation to Covid infection rates as well as the additional benefits of holding virtual meetings in terms of enabling participation in the Licensing process and resolves that Licensing Panels continue to meet virtually until June 2025. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it. 6. That Committee delegated authority to the Executive Director – Corporate Services, after consultation with the Chair and deputy to determine arrangements for Licensing Panel hearings if any changes are required before the next available Licensing Committee. 7. That the Committee recommended that in exercising this authority the above officer takes into account all relevant factors including latest public health and government guidance, the situation with other council meetings and the need to ensure fair and transparent procedures in accordance with the Hearings Regulations 2005.

The report reviewed the Licensing Committee’s terms of reference, the establishment of licensing panels and an urgency sub-committee. It recommended continuing to hold Licensing Panel hearings virtually until June 2025, while allowing in-person hearings where circumstances require and delegating authority to officers to adjust arrangements.