The Committee was apprised of the proposed methodogy to be followed in reviewing Gravesham's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were informed that in drafting the revised statements of Licensing Policy for Gravesham it has been necessary to take into account revised guidance issued under Section 182  of the Licensing Act 2003 and provisions of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 and the Crime and Security Act 2010 which have introduced changes in legislation and reflected in the policy.

The main changes were detailed in the report for Members information.

The Act and Guidance require a consultation process prior to determining the Statement of Licensing Policy and the list of consultees was detailed for Members.  A consultation period of six weeks is proposed from 22 September 2010 until 2 November 2010.

The Senior Licensing Officer will conduct an evaluation of each response and give a recommendation as to whether or not to amend the policy statement.  This will be undertaken in consultation with other Council officers and/or the Kent & Medway Regulatory Licensing Steering Group as necessary.

A further report will be submitted to the meeting of this Committee on 17 November 2010 for consideration.  The amended version of the Gravesham Statement of Licensing Policy will then be submitted to the Council for approval on 7 December 2010 and published by the due date of 7 January 2011.

Resolved that the contents of the report be endorsed and noted and officers be authorised to proceed with the review process.