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, Stubley and Winfield.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 4 June 2015.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 4 June 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the Draft Statement of Principles 2016 (Gambling Policy) before public consultation.

The Committee considered a report which set out the draft Gambling Act 2005 ‘Statement of Principles 2016’, (Gambling Policy).

Resolved:

that the draft Gambling Act 2005 ‘Statement of Principles 2016’, as set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be endorsed and submitted for formal consultation.

To consider the Draft Statement of Principles 2016 (Licensing Policy) before public consultation.

The Committee considered a report which set out the draft Licensing Act 2003 ‘Statement of Principles 2016’, (Licensing Policy).

Resolved:

(i)       that Members were in part assured by the actions being undertaken by Officers of the Council, the Police and some Premises Licence Holders themselves in partnership to ensure that where appropriate, improvements were being made to ensure that the night time economy is both safe and welcoming. However, Members were unanimously concerned over the increase in the recorded 'violence against person' crimes between 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 and requested that a meeting be arranged at the earliest opportunity with the Police, Licensing Officers and the Committee to explain in more detail this increase and what action was being taken to reduce this type of crime in the Cumulative Impact Area; and

(ii)      that the Draft Licensing Act 2003 ‘Statement of Principles 2016’ be endorsed subject to the following amendments being considered as part of the consultation process: