Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mills and Qureshi. 

There were no disclosures of interest. 

To approve for signature the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2012.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2012 were submitted and signed.

Report of the Head of Environmental Services

This report asks the Committee to endorse the response to the Government’s consultation paper.

The Committee received a report of the Head of Environmental Services asking Members to endorse the response to the Government’s consultation.

In response to a question from a Member the Licensing Manager explained that the Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO) and Late Night Levies (LNL) were different. The Late Night Levy would impose charges from £64 to £4,400 and certain premises were exempt.

A Member expressed his concern that an EMRO must be endorsed by Full Council as there were only five or six meetings a year. He suggested that it would be better if it was agreed by the Licensing Committee instead.

The Licensing Manager replied that this could be included in his response.

The Member also noted that 70 percent of the levy would go to the Police Authority. He was concerned that the Police could spend the money outside the area where it was collected.

In response to a question from a further Member, the Licensing Manager confirmed that either an EMRO or a LNL could be introduced.

The Chair summarised that the Committee was happy with the response but wanted to raise points about the agreement of Full Council and the ability of the Police to spend the funds outside the area.

The Chair thanked the officers for all their hard work.

                   RESOLVED –

                   that the response and the Committee’s comments be endorsed.