To receive any apologies for absence.

None were received.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting as enclosed.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd July 2020 were approved as a correct record.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency

In accordance with the provision of Section 100 (B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 the Chair decided that the following item of business should be considered after item 6 on the agenda the reason being to appraise  members of the Licensing Committee of the actions being taken by the Licensing team under the Covid-19 regulations.

Covid-19 Regulations

The Head of Streetscene and the Licensing and Compliance  Officer appraised members of the actions that had been taken recently in implementing the Covid-19 Regulations in relation to licensed premises.

The Head of Streetscene said that there had been positive engagement with key partners to ensure businesses were trading safely in the borough.  Unfortunately, there had been a minority of businesses where further action had been required. In one case, enforcement had been deemed appropriate.  As the powers sat with the Lancashire County Council, the licensing team had worked with LCC to secure a directive to close the premises. This action was required to ensure public safety and compliance to the existing Covid Regulations

The Licensing and Compliance Officer reported good rates of compliance and cooperation from local business and intervention was only used where it was felt necessary and proportionate.

Councillor Lishman thanked officers for their work in difficult circumstances and noted that the relationships with key partners had been strengthened.

It was agreed

That the update be noted.

To consider the draft Licensing Act 2003 Policy following the statutory consultation period.

Consideration was given to Burnley Council`s revised Licensing Act 2003 Policy. 

It was a requirement of The Licensing Act 2003 that the Licensing Authority (Burnley Borough Council) has to determine and publish its Licensing Policy at least every five years and the existing policy needed to be updated before 10^th January 2021.

The draft Policy, which had been previously considered by the Committee and key members, had been sent out for formal consultation to the relevant authorities.  The consultation period had now ended and the responses and comments received had resulted in the policy being slightly amended as shown highlighted in green text .

Councillor Lishman commented that the requirement for a new premises licence where there was more than a 50% increase in the licensable area was a welcome amendment.

Councillor Baker said that subject to Council approval on 30^th September 2020 the new policy should be implemented immediately and not wait until January 2021.  Officers agreed to check legislation to ascertain if an earlier commencement date was possible and if so amend the recommendation to Council accordingly.

RESOLVED

That the draft Licensing Act 2003 Policy be recommended to Full Council for approval and be implemented as soon as practicable for a period of five years.