Agenda item

To consider the following Resolution from the Ward of Portsoken – 20 March 2023.

“The Ward of Portsoken request the relevant department(s) and/or services of the City of London Corporation consider what mitigating actions could be taken to resolve current anti-social behaviour (public urination/vomiting) associated with the night-time economy/licensed premises in the vicinity of Beaufort House, EC3”

The Committee considered a Resolution from the Ward of Portsoken on 20 March 2023.

Members were informed of the following actions that had already been undertaken by the City of London Corporation:

• There was a Multiagency response between Police and Environmental Health and Cleansing.
• The location in question had a very transient population, including the homeless community and is a busy area between transport hubs of Liverpool Street, Aldgate and Aldgate Bus Station.
• Police, Environmental Health and Cleansing have been working in partnership with the building managers on this issue.
• Officers from all services have undertaken monitoring of the locality at all times of the day and night to understand the issues, causes and to identify controls.
• Environmental considerations are being actioned eg lighting and the location of planters that provide cover.
• Regular flushing and other cleansing is being carried out regularly.
• No specific links have been made to licenced premises.
• Signage is being actioned and they would take away the suggestion on education for premises in area.

Members were pleased that officers were taking into account the issues raised by constituents in terms of educating those nearby premises. It was suggested that the City Corporation consider what could be done to keep patrons informed and educated about anti-social behaviour in the area. The Committee was, however, aware that the matter of street cleansing and the built environment did not fall within the functions of the Licensing Committee. It was agreed that this was a matter for Port Health to consider.

Members asked for this to be officially referred to Port Health & Environmental Services Committee. This was proposed by Michael Hudson and seconded by Anthony Fitzpatrick, and members agreed.

RESOLVED – that Members:-

• Note the Portsoken Wardmote resolution and actions taken by the Licensing Team in response; and
• Delegate authority to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to finalise the wording for a resolution and to send this resolution to the attention of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee.