The Committee observed a minute's silence out of respect for those affected by the recent tragic events in Paris.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Saffery.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2014 to be submitted and signed.

Copies of the minutes of this meeting are usually available seven working days following the meeting.

(All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

The minutes of the meeting held on the 14 July 2014 were submitted and signed.

Since the last Committee, the following Licensing Sub-Committee hearings have taken place:

·         The Load of Hay (28 July 2014) Councillors Jeffree (Chair), I Brown and S Williams

·         Woody Grill (20 November 2014) Councillors Derbyshire (Chair), Connal and Scudder.

·         Oceana (24 November 2014) Councillors J Brown (Chair), Connal and Derbyshire.

·         Jimmy’s World Grill and Bar (25 November 2014) Councillors Crout (Chair), Jeffree and Mills.

The minutes from these meetings to be submitted for approval.

Licensing Sub-Committee minutes are available to view on the Council’s website:
 http://watford.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=133

The Committee received an update on the Licensing Sub-Committee hearings which had taken place since the last Committee meeting. 

The minutes were submitted to the Chairs of each Sub-Committee for approval.

Report of the Head of Community and Customer Services

The Committee received a report of the Head of Community and Customer Services providing details of the operation of the Licensing Act 2003 in the Borough during 2014.

The Licensing Manager introduced the report.  He highlighted some areas of note including that the number of Temporary Event Notices had increased while the number of Licensing Sub-Committee hearings had noticeably decreased.  The recent applications had been more complex and he noted that officers had conducted a number of mediation meetings to address concerns.  He updated the Committee on the applications which had been made for premises in the town centre; there had been fewer alcohol-led applications and more food-led applications.  This was encouraging as it demonstrated that the Licensing Policy was attracting the right kind of premises to the town.  He outlined some of the forthcoming relevant changes to legislation.

Councillor Lynch referred to the increase in pavement licences that had been granted in the town centre.  She asked whether there would be a review of the impact on residents.  The Licensing Manager explained that there was no plan to do this but neither had the Council received any complaints.

          RESOLVED –

 that the report be noted.