To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cunningham, Ellery, Manning, Parrott and Thomas (D).

Members noted that until the arrival of Councillor Brooks the Committee was not quorate at commencement.

Councillor Doggett Chaired the Committee.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 30 July 2015.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 30 July 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

At the request of the Licensing Committee held on 30 July 2015 (Minute 12 (i)) Superintendent Glen Mayhew attended the Licensing Committee to give a verbal update as Members had been unanimously concerned over the increase in the recorded ‘violence against person’ crimes between 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 and wanted to know what action was being taken to reduce this type of crime in the Cumulative Impact Area.

He answered Members questions and explained initiatives that have been undertaken in the town centre and within the Cumulative Impact Area.

The Committee noted the report which set out the details of the decisions taken by the Executive Head, Community Safety in relation to the Licensing Act 2003 applications, using her delegated powers.  Members were informed that the Licensing Policy required the decisions made under delegated powers to be reported to the Committee on a regular basis.

Members noted the number of applications dealt with and the number of Hearings that had been held in the period between 1 April 2015 and September 2015.

Members noted the report which set out the decisions taken by the Executive Head, Community Safety in relation to the Gambling Act 2005 applications, using her delegated powers.

The Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) provided a verbal update to Members.

1.         Consultation for Wheelchair Access in vehicles is due to commence mid-November after being delayed and the results will be brought back to Licensing Committee.

2.         Pavement and Cafe Permits will now fall under the remit of the Licensing Team instead of the Highways Department.  The existing Policy is being revamped and will go out for consultation.  The Policy should be ready to come to Licensing Committee at the end of January 2016 where Members can consider the controversial issue of smoking within outside pavement areas and assess the responses received as a result of the consultation.

3.         The Purple Flag Inspectors will be in Torquay from 5pm on 14 November 2015 and will be meeting with Superintendent Mayhew, Inspector Louise Costin, Frances Hughes, Assistance Director Community and Customer Services and Steve Cox, Environmental Health Manager (Commercial).

Torbay currently holds a Purple Flag which recognises standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.