Agenda item

The Following items of urgent business were raised –

A) Licensing Forum

-        The Licensing Forum was held on the 24^th of October which was reported as a great success.

-        This was a chance to remind people of a few issues coming up to the busy Christmas period, particularly around crime, scene preservation and about counter terrorism issues.

-        There were 235 people in attendance which was a record for the team.

Members enquired if feedback from attendees was gathered so that lessons could be taken for the following year. Officers would enquire to ascertain if a feedback form was distributed. If this had not been distributed this could be something to incorporate for the following year.

Members asked for an update on the Police’s proposals for the Christmas campaign particularly around sexual harassment, and what was being done to encourage licenced premises to ensure their staff are trained on these matters. Officers explained that ‘Ask for Angela’ and wave training were rolling programmes which had been received by many venues and their staff. This was a rolling programme due to staff turnover, and this was tested by officers who would provide feedback as to whether the premises had been successful or not. Operation Reframe had been a monthly operation throughout the year, which focused on safety, the next one would take place on the 2^nd of November. This would focus on the launch of the new taxi rank in Liverpool street, which would enable people to get to get around safely. The City of London Police was always present alongside their partners like the Licensing Authority, Samaritans, St Johns Ambulance and others, as well as Members. The Chair encouraged Members of the Committee to attend an Operation Reframe if they have not done so already as this was highly educational.

Members highlighted a scheme that was in operation by Starbucks where if women or young girls were receiving unwanted attention or being pestered, a staff member would bring a drink to the customer. If the lid was taken off the drink it would signify they were uncomfortable, if they left it on there was no issue.  Members enquired if this scheme could be made more general across licensed premises. Officers explained that other venues have similar schemes in place which provided a safe haven however they would investigate this scheme in more detail.

Members also raised serious concerns regarding the rise in drink spiking. There was a fentanyl epidemic in the US which would soon reach the UK and Europe, and this caused major concerns and Members wanted to raise this, particularly with the Police so it could be looked at more pro-actively.  The Chair echoed these concerns and added that although the drink spiking rates in the City were down, this was something to flag to officers, which would be covered in more detail under item 12.

The Town Clerk advised Members that there was a vacancy in the Licensing Committee in the room of a Member stepping down which would be advertised in the December Court of Common Council meeting.