Agenda item

Deputy Marianne Fredericks moved a Vote of Thanks to Sophie Fernandes, the immediate past Chairman.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Members of this Committee take great pleasure in expressing to

SOPHIE ANNE FERNANDES

their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the dedication she has shown in all aspects of work of this Committee, and the exemplary manner in which she has presided over proceedings during the last three years as Chairman of the Licensing Committee.

She has been very active in the work of the Committee and has shown great leadership in steering the Committee and supporting the licensing trade through a period of challenge and turbulence through the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sophie oversaw the introduction of the City’s first Al-Fresco Dining Policy and was instrumental in the delivery of the Covid Business Recovery Fund of up to £50m aimed at SME’s. Both initiatives have been essential in supporting businesses to return and the recovery in the Square Mile.

Despite the unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic, the City has remained one of the safest places to socialise in London, particularly for women. Sophie was instrumental in the City signing up to the Mayor’s Women’s Night Safety Charter, the delivery of Safer Sounds Partnership vulnerability training to licensed venues, alongside WAVE training, and worked with officers to launch the Ask for Angela scheme in the City.

Sophie continues to recognise the need for a flourishing night-time economy in the City and across London, including supporting the work of the GLA’s Night Czar and contributing to the work of the Night-time Borough Champions Network.

The City has bounced back and again provides a vibrant day-time and night-time economy with a diverse array of hospitality opportunities.

UNDER Sophie’s chairmanship, a revised Statement of Licensing Policy and a new Statement of Licensing Principles, in line with the Gambling Act 2005, were put forward by the Committee.

DURING her tenure, only 12 licensing hearings took place including one review, and she paid particular attention to ensuring Hearings were conducted in a fair, clear and open manner. There were also no successful appeals against the decisions of the Licensing Sub-Committees under her chairmanship.

THROUGHOUT her term of office, Sophie has managed the Committee’s deliberations with a fair and firm hand to ensure that the Committee executed its duties in a competent manner.

AND SO, in taking leave of Sophie Fernandes as their Chairman, Members of this Licensing Committee wish to thank her for her service and excellent leadership of the Corporation’s licensing affairs during this challenging period. The Committee gives to her their very best and heartfelt thanks for her future happiness and health.