Agenda item

The following items of urgent business were raised – 

A)    On Licensing Quarterly figures members were advised that:

-        318 thefts from Licensed Premises offences and 83 violence against the person offences were reported.

-        Both offences have increased against the previous quarter.

-        Comparing to the previous year, theft had increase 46% and violence against the person remains the same.

-        There had been significant arrests from teams who have targeted premises.

-        Regular visits were made to encourage premises to look after their staff and keep items locked away.

-        Violence against person was stable but cases of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) had increased by 200%. This was mainly towards staff who were working at the doors turning people away.

-        Drinks spiking had halved from 17 down to eight. They had produced a new information leaflet which reminded everyone of their responsibilities, and advised there was a big campaign incoming.

B)    On Operation (Op) Reframe, Members were advised that:

-        The walks around the City happened monthly and in partnership with the City of London Corporation and other stakeholders.

-        47 people attended the last op, which included some Members and an Alderman.

-        There was a welfare tent which was staffed by Samaritans to assist people.

-        The campaign was around consent, and included hard hitting leaflets which were given out to people and invoking conversations, as well as a media campaign.

-        The Cadets were instrumental in the operation. Four out of seven premises sold alcohol to the children, which was concerning. Officers committed to work on this. Five penalties notices were issued to the people who sold the alcohol. 

-        The dates of the next Ops would be circulated to Members so that if they wish they could join.

In the context of licensed premises remaining open for longer, Members reflected on issues such as Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and crime.  Members asked whether there was an underlying cause for concern and how this data compared to crime in previous years. Members were advised that on theft, they were able to compare to figures in 2019, and this was 6% higher, but on other figures did they not have the figures to hand, and this would need to be looked at. With regard to the point on premises, Members were told that there were not many repeat premises, and it was in fact the night-time economy that posed a problem, however, they have had conversations with premises to mitigate issues.

The Deputy Chairman noted that two of the top two premises were in his ward and as that one of the differences he noted was that premises did not have door security staff, and therefore asked whether this was a driver on thefts and whether the Committee should consider this when assessing licensing applications. He also extended his appreciation for the work of the Cadets in this operation which was echoed by the Committee. The Committee was advised that having door staff sent a strong message and did mitigate thefts, and that officers were working with the top premise offender and CCTV was being installed to further mitigate thefts.

It was remarked that in many instances, the property being stolen was business/company property, which individuals were generally more careless with as there was no personal financial implications. Members raised the fact that theft of company devices can lead to possible data breaches, and that although some responsibility lies with the licensing premise, personal responsibility was also a factor. Data breaches could lead to significant fines for companies, and so these implications may be useful to draw to employers attention, so they can consider their own internal policies surrounding the care of company equipment. The Committee noted that the Licensing Team worked closely with the Police who provided witness statements, and they would take appropriate action depending on the outcome, which could stem from a warning to prosecution.

C)    Appeals Against Licensing (Haring) Sub-Committee decisions:

The Comptroller & City Solicitor advised the Committee that there had been no appeals against Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee decisions.