An Apology for absence was received from Cllr Denise Tiran; Cllr Helen Ashenden appeared as her substitute.

An Apology for absence was also received from Cllr Leslie Pearton.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2019 were signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

The Committee received an update on proactive review of premises licences with embedded conditions.

The Regulatory Services Manager advised Members that he and the Chair had now agreed to approach this by way of an invitation contained in a licensing newsletter.  He had also been advised that the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive had agreed that a video release that promotes the night time economy would be a good idea, and this was something to progress in due course.

The Chair advised the Committee that partners, including Kent Police, will be invited to join the Council in creating the promotional video.

The Chair highlighted that the Council had held six Licensing Panels in the last 6 months, but wanted to stress that, whilst enforcement action will be taken when necessary, the Council is fully supportive of the night time economy, good licence holders and a thriving and safe night life.

The Committee welcomed Priscilla McBean (Chair – Gravesham Street Pastors)

and Sam Coveney (Coordinator – Gravesham Street Pastors) who provided an update on their work in Gravesham, you can view their presentation by clicking the link below:

http://democracy.gravesham.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=124&MId=3171&Ver=4

Priscilla McBean and Sam Coveney fielded questions from the Committee and highlighted the following:

·         A typical shift for a Gravesham Street Pastor is 10pm until 2am. The Street Pastors work in teams of four.

·         Funding comes from a variety of sources including the following; fund raising events, Kent Police lost property fund, Gravesham Borough Council, Kent County Council, donations from local churches, anonymous donations, donations on the street.

·         The Street Pastor volunteers are from a broad range of backgrounds and cultures.

·         A ‘safe place’ that the Street Pastors can take people who need more help would be beneficial, other Street Pastors use buses and empty shops.

·         The main challenges for the Gravesham Street Pastors are poor street lighting, uneven pavements / walkways and funding.

·         Councillors are welcome to come out on patrol (as an observer) with the Street Pastors. Any Member who is interested can contact the GBC Committee Section with their available dates and they will be passed on to the Street Pastors.

The Chair highlighted that street lighting and pavements were the responsibility of Kent County Council and these issues could be fed back to KCC by both GBC and KCC Councillors.

The Committee thanked the Gravesham Street Pastors for everything they do in Gravesend.

PC Chris Hill and Geoff Rowley provided an update on the North Kent Police Licensing Team and highlighted the following:

·         The Licensing Team consist of five people who cover Dartford, Gravesham, Medway and Swale (3200 licensed premises)

·         The team trawl through calls made to the Police and record the incidents that relate to licensed premises. Many of the larger venues in Gravesend (e.g. McDonalds) provide the Police with their own records of incidents on their premises (e.g. ejections, how many people through the door etc.).

·         The team try to maintain a good working relationship with licence holders. Most issues can be resolved by the team and a Licensing Panel is usually a last resort.

·         Crime statistics for Gravesham can be found on the Kent Police website

·         Poor street lighting and overflowing bins (containing glass bottles) are a big challenge for the Police in Gravesend.

·         Most of the licensed premises in Gravesend are compliant and on the whole the town is a good place to go out at night.

The Committee discussed the recent Silk Bar Licensing Panel and noted the outcome of the hearing.

The Committee requested that the North Kent Police Licensing Team keep Members updated on their achievements in the borough.

Following a discussion on traffic issues in the town centre at night; the Regulatory Services Manager advised that discussions are taking place with the Community Safety Unit in relation to an audit of the night time economy.

The Chair highlighted that traffic issues should be raised at the Gravesham Joint Transportation Board.

The Committee thanked the North Kent Police Licensing Team for the sterling work they do in the borough.

The Committee considered and noted the report on the Licensing Panel hearings.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.

The Committee considered and noted the minutes.