Agenda item

The Chairman asked for an update regarding the need to improve communications with venues and general joining up to make information more accessible. Officers explained that the Licensing Team now contact all premises and do annual look ahead of all city’s events. A list goes to Streets and Walkways Committee for approval. Furthermore, updates were provided monthly so that premises could plan around possible upcoming events. For example, recent political marches (which required a joint response with City of London Police) the team would visit the premises to speak to them and advise of any steps that needed to be taken. The Committee also noted the promotional work undertaken by Destination City, who have their own channels of communication, and as a result have since increased businesses reach, with Ye Olde Mitre pub reaching 220,000 users on their website. A member added that Destination City team produced an annual cultural calendar of events which may be of use to Members and premises alike.

A Member highlighted that The Tipperary pub in Fleet Street which had been shut for a long period, was re-opening in due course in March. The premise was in a derelict state with leaks and squatters, but this became an asset of community value and with new ownership, this was now re-opening.

A Member asked what was being done by the City Police to engage with premises and re-train them, as in previous years there were programmes on how to report issues to the police and other basics. The Member highlighted the importance of re-education and engagement to ensure premises were aware of the importance of reporting crimes and protecting crime scenes, but also for the protection of women in venues and security more generally, as there was further work to be done to improve this. The Police were confident that they were actively engaging with all premises. They held two forums a year at the steel yard because of capacity and the attendance, and these were well attended. On the point regarding security, security companies were also invited to this event, so they were on board with the messaging and more information was provided in the non-public paper. During the Christmas campaign, the Police conducted 332 visits, which the late-night levy helped support. The positive key messaging around the Christmas campaign was to do with about violence against women and girls, and on drink spiking. Training had also moved online to facilitate and enhance people’s capacity and engagement.

A Member asked what was being done to impress the importance of good behaviour to premises, particularly regarding cleanliness and anti-social behaviour, as this impacted residents and businesses. Furthermore, on premises which were derelict and empty, it was asked how the City could encourage owners to keep these tidy and actively market them, so that vacant premises could be re-used rather than marketing new premises. Officers explained that they now had better resource, which meant they were now able to be a reactive but also a proactive service in terms of environmental health and responses and interventions. Officers were now in the City in the evenings and at night. There is also greater presence now regarding cleaning of graffiti. Officers offered to have a further walk around with the Member to maintain their presence and look at approaches.