Report of the Senior Licensing Officer

          The committee received the report of the Senior Licensing Officer which provided an overview of the operation of the Licensing Act 2003 in the borough. 

          The Senior Licensing Officer informed members that the report was for information.  He highlighted some of the key aspects of the last year including the support the team had given to businesses during the pandemic.  The number of applications had been significantly impacted during the last year, many of them having been submitted prior to the first lockdown.  It had been possible to hold hearings remotely and the team had followed the guidance from the Institute of Licensing and the council’s Group Head of Democracy and Governance.  The team would continue to monitor the licensing trade over the next few months to ascertain the impact from the pandemic.  During the year the team had provided advice on how premises could change their licences in line with the guidance at that time or how to apply for a Temporary Event Notice.  Further changes were expected, including relaxations.  The team awaited any details and would continue to support businesses over the months ahead.

          The chair thanked the team for the support they had provided over the last year.

          RESOLVED –

          That the Licensing Act 2003 Annual Report be noted.