Decision - Review of Licensing Panel Arrangements

RESOLVED: 1. That Committee notes 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 recommends that Licensing Panels continue to meet virtually until March 2023. This does not preclude holding a panel hearing in person where the individual circumstances of an application may warrant it. 2. That Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director - Governance, People & Resources after consultation with the Chair and group spokespersons to determine arrangements for Licensing Panel hearings until the next Licensing Committee in March 2023. 3. That the Committee recommends 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 proposed continuing to hold Licensing Panel hearings virtually because virtual meetings support wider participation and allow flexibility in response to changing public health guidance. It also proposed delegating authority to the Executive Director – Governance, People & Resources, following consultation, to determine hearing arrangements until the next Licensing Committee in March 2023.