Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Graham Packham and Jason Pritchard.

The Committee noted that Martha Greckos had stepped down from the Committee and the Chair thanked her for her service.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2022.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 23 May 2022 be approved as a correct record.

To receive the public minutes of the Licensing Hearing in respect of the premises Gopuff, 171-176 Aldersgate Street, Barbican, EC1A 4HT.

The Committee noted the public minutes of the licensing hearing in respect of the premises Gopuff, 171-176 Aldersgate Street, Barbican, EC1A 4HT.

The Deputy Chairman informed the Committee that Gopuff had subsequently decided not to take up the licences in the above premises.

The Comptroller & City Solicitor confirmed that there had been no appeals.

Report of the Executive Director Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director Environment detailing the premises licences, and variations to premises licences, granted under the Licensing Act 2003 and administered by the Licensing Service from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection providing a summary of pavement licences currently granted and outlining proposals for the continuation of pavement licence application process until 30 September 2023.

The Chair expressed his gratitude to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee, as well as the Deputy Chair of the Licensing Committee, for opening communications between the two committees.

A Member queried how the Licensing Committee and the Planning and Transportation Committee were going to engage stakeholders in the extension of the pavement licence regulations going forward. Members were informed that there had not been sufficient time to hold a public consultation but were reminded that there is a consultation period for each pavement licence application, during which the statutory consultees and the public can raise any concerns about individual applications with the City Corporation’s Licensing Team. These concerns are then considered in the decision to refuse, grant or amend the application. Members were also informed that once the Levelling Up Bill has been passed in parliament, Officers will develop a permanent pavement licence policy and will consult with local stakeholders as part of this process.

A Member stated that the Committee should not underestimate the effect that the current pavement licence regulations have had in attracting visitors into the City of London and that there has been a noticeable increase in customers utilising outdoor seating within his ward between 11am and 3pm.

The Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee stated that at the meeting he had with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Licensing Committee, they discussed ensuring that planning and licensing applications are moving in tandem with each other. He stated that this process should involve consultation with all stakeholders, including residents. This view was

Report of the Commissioner of the City of London Police.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner of the City of London Police providing an update on crime committed which were linked to licensed premises between May and June 2022.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner of the City of London Police updating the Committee on Operation Reframe, which took place on 30 June 2022. The operation involved asking partners to assist the police in providing a reassuring high visibility presence, with the goal of making people feel safe in the City of London. Members were informed that the London Fire Brigade joined the operation.

A Member stated that she was pleased that joint operations were taking place once again following the pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Deputy Chair queried if the police had identified a reason for the increase in offences in hotels. Members received an update on the training that hotels have received and were informed that Operation Make Safe will be restarting.

A Member stated there are a number of new student residences within the City and that this will bring with it a new demographic with a different behaviour pattern.

The Chair informed the Committee that he has asked that the City of London Police Authority Board and the Licensing Committee are kept suitably informed about the progress of Destination City plans going forward.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Joint Report of the Chamberlain and Executive Director Environment.

The Committee received a joint report of the Chamberlain and Executive Director Environment comparing the revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Licensing Committee in 2021/22 with the final budget for the year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2022.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2022 be approved as a correct record.

A question was received regarding the assistance the City Corporation provides to licence applicants.

The following items of urgent business were raised:

a)    An update on a group squatting and promoting an unlicensed music event in the City.