Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection (copy attached).

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection introducing the initial ideas for a Code of Practice for licenced premises as requested by Members was considered. The report explained that the Code was linked with the City Corporation’s Licensing Policy and also introduced a risk assessment scheme for enforcement purposes. The report sought to approve the draft version of the Code which would be sent to various stakeholders for consultation with a final draft being submitted to this Committee in October 2012. The minutes of the Reference Sub (Licensing) Committee were also considered.

The Chairman explained that officers had been asked to prepare a Code of Practice which would set out what the Authority would hope and expect licensed premises to aspire to.

Members were supportive of a Code of Practice and it was noted that reference to the Code would be included in any relevant trade press; a Member congratulated officers on bringing forward an innovative Code for licenced premises.

RESOLVED – Members agree that: -

1.       Officers continue to develop standards for each of the areas covered by the licensing objectives in line with the example given in Appendix 1 of the report (some standards are to be considered as the minimum required in order to operate a licensed premises within the City of London).

2.       Criteria for a risk assessment scheme be developed with scoring bands set for green, amber and red status, and the criteria be closely linked to the Code’s standards.

3.       The final draft Code be sent to stakeholders for consultation during August and September 2012 after input and agreement from the Reference Sub (Licensing) Committee. The stakeholders would include Members, officers from other services, other responsible authorities, members of the public and licensed premises.

4.       Results of the consultation be collated and incorporated in a report to this Committee in October 2012.

5.          The minutes of the Reference Sub (Licensing) Committee which took place on 13 July 2012 be noted.