Agenda and minutes

Members and officers observed one minute’s silence in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Kelly, A Khan, Launer, Raja and Sollis.

There were no declarations of interest in any of the items on the agenda.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting held on 23^rd June 2022.

The minutes of the last meeting, held on 23^rd June 2022, were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the draft Licensing Act 2003 Policy 2022-27 following the statutory consultation period.

Consideration was given to the final draft Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP), which incorporated clarifications arising out of the responses to the statutory consultation on the draft.

The current SoLP had been approved in 2020 for the period from January 2021 to December 2026. In view of the ongoing opportunities arising from the Padiham Town Centre Improvements, the Pioneer Place redevelopment, St James’ Street Heritage Action Zone, the Council’s acquisition of Charter Walk Shopping Centre and the Council’s ambition to work towards Purple Flag status for Burnley Town Centre it had been agreed that an early review should take place.

The SoLP was part of the Council’s Policy Framework and must be approved by Full Council. The final draft was due to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 15^th September and the Executive on 21^st September prior to submission for approval at Full Council on 28^th September.

Members were provided with a copy of two representations which had been received after the deadline for submission of representations and the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager assured members that nothing in these late representations required further clarification to the proposed SoLP.

Members would be provided with an update on enforcement activities in relation to the sale of counterfeit tobacco and vapes and the sale of these and of alcohol to children under 18. Much of the enforcement work of Trading Standards was intelligence led and members were encouraged to report to Trading Standards any concerns that they had, or details of any allegations made to them by local residents.

IT WAS AGREED

1)    That Full Council be recommended to approve the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for implementation on 1^st October 2022, and

2)    That Licensing Committee members be provided with an update on enforcement activities undertaken by Trading Standards in relation to the sale of counterfeit tobacco and vapes and underage sales of tobacco, vapes and alcohol.