Apologies were received from Cllrs Greta Goatley, Makhan Singh, Bryan Sweetland and Colin Dennis.  Cllr John Caller attended as  substitute for Cllr Dennis.

The Minutes of the last meeting held on Monday, 5 November 2012 were agreed and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

The Chair introduced Sophie Jordan to the Committee and thanked her for coming to do the presentation on the Safer Socialising Awards by G-Safe. 

A summary of the presentation as follows:-

·         G-SAFE

G-Safe, the Gravesham Safe and Free Environment, was set up 10 years ago by the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and consists of 81 members across Gravesham.  Members are required to pay an annual membership fee which include benefits such as monthly Member’s briefings, newsletters and updates, connection to the CCTV control, Kent Police and other G-Safe Members.

G-Safe is expanding to the night time economy.  Where appropriate, Licensed premises have been required as part of their conditions to join the G-Safe scheme.

The G-Safe pod is a recent addition to the scheme and was funded from a grant by the Home Office.  The pod has been part of local community events with other partners and is a prominent feature in and around the town centre promoting G-Safe and its presence.

·         Safer Socialising Awards

The awards are a three tiered award, Gold, Bronze and Silver and are awarded to individual premises and are aimed primarily at smaller or independent premises.  Premises are required to make an application for the award, and they are inspected and awarded according to level of standards by the partner agencies:-

o    Kent Police;

o    Gravesham Borough Council Licensing;

o    Kent Fire and Rescue Service;

o    Trading Standards and

o    G-Safe

The Awards are aimed at making Gravesham a safer and more vibrate place to socialise and to increase public confidence and improve management standards of premises.  Similar to the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme whereby scores are displayed at the premises, it aims to make the public aware and to make informed decisions when visiting licensed premises.

The awards are valid for two years and are subject to interim inspections and compliance to the conditions and requirements.

Members enquired whether the award would make a difference to insurance premiums.  The Senior Licensing Officer advised that she would look into the matter as it could be possible as with the installation of security cameras within Taxis.  Cheaper premiums as a result of an award could attract more interest from premises proprietors.

The Committee thanked Sophie Jordan on her enlightening and comprehensive presentation.

Copy of the presentation is attached as Appendix 1.

Following the consultation carried out by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in 2011 on the deregulation of the majority of the entertainment activities requiring a License or a Temporary Events Notice, the Senior Licensing Officer introduced to the Committee the report on the Governments response.  The proposals are set to become effective as from April 2013.

In their submissions respondents were supportive of some of the deregulations; however local authorities expressed concerns around the deregulation of ‘live and recorded music’.

The current Licensing Act gives authorities the ability to regulate noise nuisance from Licensed premises and the power to revoke/review a premises License at any time.

The Committee raised concerns that the deregulation could vastly affect residents within the locality with potential anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance.  There could also be health and safety implications such as the ability to manage movement and crowds, fire exits and procedures etc.  Without prior notification and advance planning which the TENS currently give for these events, authorities cannot act proactively and will become much more reactive. 

The Assistant Director (Communities) advised the Committee that general advice to event planners is made available on the Gravesham website.  More thorough and specific advice can be given if the event planner seeks advice directly.

The Committee considered the report and noted that any amendments to the legislation and guidance will be taken into account during the next review of the Council statement of the Licensing policy later in 2013.

It was agreed by all, that a review of the effects of the deregulation after its commencement should be carried out alongside the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy later in the year.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented to the Committee a presentation of the Kent Community Alcohol Partnership (KCAP).

KCAP is a Kent multi agency initiative, working with key partners:-

o    Trading standards;

o    Kent Police;

o    G-Safe;

o    Gravesham Borough Council;

o    Retail of Alcohol Groups.

KCAP is a long term developing project.  The aims of which is to reduce underage sales of alcohol (either by proxy or directly), reduce alcohol related anti-social behaviour and to promote a healthy and sensible understanding of alcohol consumption to parents and young people.

This scheme will specifically operate in the Perry Street area; chosen for the diversity and local conveniences in the area.  Within the locality are several schools (primary and secondary), mini markets, off licenses, pubs and takeaway.  The area in general is affluent and highly residential with good potential for input from parents in the area. 

KCAP works in collaboration with Trading Standards to offer local trader’s best practice advice and training, and a better understanding of underage alcohol sales, particularly in Proxy selling.  The Police beat officer for the area has seen immediate reduction of 2 per cent in alcohol related crime since November 2012 and is continuing to work hard to promote KCAP aims to parents and young people.

Members discussed the work of KCAP and ways of reaching parents and young people.  Cllr Cribbon suggested that peer mentoring often reaches young people and gives better understanding.  The Senior Licensing Officer thought that the suggestion was very promising and is constantly looking for ideas and suggestions and is currently working with the Gr@nd and the Youth Council in engagement with young people.

The Committee thanked the Senior Licensing officer for her interesting and educational presentation.

A copy of the presentation is attached as Appendix 2.

The Committee considered the Minutes of the Licensing Panels held on Friday, 4 May 2012 and Wednesday, 13 February 2013.