Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Connal.

Absent without apologies: Councillors Leslie and Walford.

There were no disclosures of interest. 

To approve for signature the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2011.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2011 were submitted and signed.

Report of the Head of Environmental Services

This report asks the Committee to note the annual report of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee received a report of the Head of Environmental Services asking Members to note the Annual Report of the Licensing Act 2003.  The Licensing Manager added that officers were considering future arrangements for premises’ inspections.  The suggestion was that a postal survey would be sent to low risk premises and following the result of the response, officers would consider whether it was necessary to visit the premises to carry out an inspection.  He also referred to the late night levy but officers were awaiting the final details before making a final decision about whether or not to introduce the levy.

Policing Reform and Social Responsibility Act

A Member commented that the implications of the Policing Reform and Social Responsibility Act were very significant.  This would be a fundamental revision of the night time policy for Watford.  Local authorities would receive significant powers to define the night time economy.  One key matter was the late night levy.  He had noted that although officers were not generally in favour of introducing it in Watford, the Police Authority might ask the Council to take up the option.  It would be important to discuss this matter with the Police.

The Member added that the early morning restriction order would enable the Council to restrict the night time economy.  This would be a very powerful tool if the Council wanted to change the role of Central Watford.  He cautioned that it would also be necessary to take account of the impact on employment and the wider Watford economy.

The Chair responded that in connection with the late night levy, the Council might not want to raise funds to give to the Police to enable them to fund policing in other parts of the county. 

A Member advised the Committee that as from November, any funds raised would not go the Police Authority as it would no longer exist.  The Policing and Crime Commissioner would be elected in November and responsible for funding the Police.

Another Member said that he welcomed the new powers but suggested they were viewed with caution.  It might be difficult during the current recession to ask for additional fees.  He asked whether the 30% of the late night levy retained by the Council could be used towards the cost of cleaning the Town Centre.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that the Council’s share of the levy could be used for that type of activity.

One Member said that he did not agree with the officer’s comments in the report at paragraph 3.55 (d).  If premises were open late outside the Town Centre and a problem arose the Police would have to attend the incident.  He would expect the levy to be applied across the board.  In the current economic climate, however, this would be more of a burden for the take-aways if they were caught by the charge.

The Member suggested that if the levy were introduced it could be used to provide additional funding for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.