Agenda item

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2012 (copy attached).

The public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 16 January 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Matters Arising

Training Session

The Chairman thanked Members who attended the recent training session which had been extremely valuable.

Advertising of Licensing Applications

A discussion took place on the wording of the guidance for applicants on advertising licensing applications. The Comptroller explained that following Counsel advice if the definition of a “local newspaper” was removed the guidance would be lawful.

In response to a question by a Member, it was noted that if someone were to object to an advertisement not being in a ‘local newspaper’ an application would need to be made to the High Court to show that it was not a valid application.

RESOLVED – That the guidance for applicants on advertising licensing applications be as follows:

“For the purposes of Section 17 Licensing Act 2003 and Regulation 25 Licensing Act 2003 (Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005, the City of London recognises the following publications as being a local newspaper: -

London Evening Standard

London Metro

City AM

In the event that Applicants wish to use alternative publications, the Licensing Authority would remind Applicants to ensure that the publication complies with the requirements of being a ‘local newspaper’.

It would be most helpful if you could supply a copy of the advertisement”.

Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committee Issues

It was noted that a further internal review of the licensing procedures would be undertaken to ensure that the City Corporation was complying with its statutory obligations.