Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Leslie Hoskins (Cllr Meade substituted), Baljit Hayre and Leslie Pearton.

The minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on Monday, 05 September 2022 were agreed and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

The Licensing Manager presented Members of the Committee with the draft statement of Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainment Venues. Three recommendations were proposed, as followed:

1. Members to approve and adopt the revised statement of Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainment Venues
2. The revised policy to be published and to become effective as from 01 April 2023
3. The standard policy review period to be extended from three years to five years

The Licensing Manager outlined the following:

• There were no sex establishments or sexual entertainment venues in the borough and nor had any applications been received for the same.
• Gravesham Borough Council’s current Statement of Policy was valid until 2023, but as with any review they proceed four to five months in advance to allow for a consultation period.
• Although there was no statutory requirement to undertake a review of the policy statement, there was a commitment set out in the policy statement to do so at least every three years, but they were seeking the extend this from three years, to five. If needed, they were able to review the policy earlier than expected, such as if there was a change in legislation.
• As with the existing policy, they proposed setting no numerical limits for Sexual Entertainment Venues within Gravesham. Instead, each application would be judged on its own merits but taking into account the various criteria laid out in the policy document.
• Since the policy was first published, there has been no changes to legislation or guidance. Consequently, no changes to the policy were proposed, and it was felt that there was no need for public consultation.

Following questions and comments from Members, the Licensing Manager explained that:

• An alteration would be made on page 22, in reference to section 14.10, where it used the terminology ‘sheltered housing’, instead of ‘independent living’.
• Members raised concerns regarding the general grounds for an objection to an application as it was not clearly outlined in the policy. The Licensing Manager agreed to seek clarification and include this in future Member Training sessions. It was discussed whether the four licensing objectives would be transferable when considering such applications.
• In reference to section 20.3, sub-section A, regarding the suitability of applicants, some Members felt that it was all encompassing, but not specific enough and should have made reference to sexual offences. Members agreed for the Licensing Manager to research the implications of getting this added to the policy and to agree it in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.

Members agreed all the recommendations in respect of the abovementioned condition. The Committee noted the report.

The Licensing Manager advised Members of the Committee that since the last Committee meeting on the 05 September 2022, no hearings had taken place.

The Committee noted the update.