Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Interim Executive Director Environment which presented the draft high-level Business Plan for the Environment Department for 2024/25.

The Chairman explained that previously concerns were raised when this report was originally brought to Committee, that Members were being asked to approve a report that extended beyond the Committee. The report now clearly showed the areas which Members were being asked to approve.

The Committee noted that there had been a subsequent amendment which was not in the main report, which read “Work with City Operations Transportation and Destination City Teams to explore the potential for enhanced waymarking to hospitality and other visitor venues.” Following feedback from trades, it was noted that certain venues which had historical stories were not easy to find given their location in alleyways and therefore they would like to be a part of this wayfinding exercise. The Chairman noted that this was a part of joining up different areas of the Corporation so not to work in a siloed manner, and this would help enhance trade as it would attract more people to their establishments, as was the case in other popular tourist areas.

A Member raised a point regarding signage and that smartphone usage was prominent, and that engagement with providers would be just as helpful rather than simply putting up signs.

A Member also enquired regarding the al fresco permanency and whether the relaxations were made permanent. The Committee noted that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was passed, and Officers were waiting on regulations, which should be passed before the temporary regime ended in September. Work on drafting what the policy would be in the long term would commence in April. 

A Member raised concerns regarding how premises would be chosen to be a part of the exercise and what criteria would be used, as well as what resource cost was. The Chairman clarified for the Committee, that the Committee was not approving a specific proposal but rather being kept informed, and as such having something in the plan would ensure that that the Committee is sighted whilst not having responsibility for this.

A Member wanted clarification as to what ‘business-friendly’ approach was, as the Members of the Committee needed to maintain a balanced approach which did not favour one stakeholder over the other. Clearer terminology was therefore needed. The Member raised further concerns regarding point three of Appendix B, as signposting premises to particular areas could be badly perceived particularly with objectors and future licensing hearings as it could lead to one side feeling left out. The Chairman explained that the mapping project was focused on obtaining this information, which would be held internally. Once they had this information then they can think about the detail of the project itself.

The Member further raised that the paper did not simply present a mapping exercise. Given the wording had been published in a public paper, this terminology needed amending, as suggesting areas for more suitable late licensing premises was dangerous and the Committee needed to remain impartial.

The Chairman suggested amendments to the Licensing Service priorities as follows to ensure both the Committee and residents and businesses, of which Members were in agreement:

·       Priority 1 - Deliver the Licensing Service within the context of Destination City understanding the needs of residents and businesses.

·       Priority 3 - Carry out a mapping project to identify streets, spaces or areas of The City that could be suitable for markets, events, later licensing hours or more licensed premises. 

A Member wanted to make the Committee aware as well as officers that there would be a meeting with Paul Martin in March to discuss Destination City, and that it would be crucial to have Licensing representatives there. The Member also voiced concerns from residents about venues operating 24 hours a day. The Chairman advised this was something of which they were aware, and assured this was not something which was being promoted, however, there were others involved in the governance of London which factored in what kinds of venues seek to establish themselves.

RESOLVED – That Members

·       Note the factors taken into consideration in compiling the Environment Department Business Plan; and

·       Approve the elements of the high-level Environment Department Business Plan 2024/25 which fall within the remit of the Licensing Committee, highlighted in red and bold font on pages 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, subject to the following amendments to Appendix B:

o   Priority 1 - Deliver the Licensing Service within the context of Destination City understanding the needs of residents and businesses.

o   Priority 3 - Carry out a mapping project to identify streets, spaces or areas of The City that could be suitable for markets, events, later licensing hours or more licensed premises.