Agenda item

ELECTION OF DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

Minutes:

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30. 

 

The Town Clerk reported that, in accordance with Standing Order No. 30. (3) (a), the immediate past Chairman had chosen to exercise her right to serve as Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year. Peter Dunphy was therefore duly appointed as Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

 

VOTE OF THANKS TO THE PAST CHAIRMAN

Michael Hudson paid tribute to Peter Dunphy, the past Chairman.

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: 

That the Members of this Committee take great pleasure in expressing to:

PETER GERARD DUNPHY

 

their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the dedication he has shown in all aspects of work of this Committee, and the exemplary manner in which he has presided over proceedings during the last three years as Chairman of the Licensing Committee.

 

HE has been very active in the work of the Committee and has shown great leadership in steering the Committee through a period of change including the Night Time Economy Review, the research of which will set the groundwork for the future of licensing in the City. He has also overseen the development of the framework for Late Night Levy spending following its introduction in October 2014. This has included the formation of a Late Night Levy Board to ensure all spending is accountable and thoughtfully managed, all of which is ring-fenced for future investment in the policing of the City’s night-time economy. The Late Night Levy now generates in excess of £450,000 per annum.

 

UNDER Peter’s chairmanship, a revised Statement of Licensing Policy and a new Statement of Licensing Principles in line with the Gambling Act 2005 were put forward by the Committee and were approved by the Court of Common Council in January 2017 and December 2018 respectively.

 

THE numbers of licensed premises in the City have increased year on year during Peter’s tenure and there are currently 960 licensed premises which is an all-time high. Despite this increase, the City has remained one of the safest places to socialise in London.

 

HE has also recognised the need for a flourishing night-time economy in the City and across London through his support of key initiatives including the work of the Night Czar, contributing to the work of the Borough Champions Network established by the Chair of the Night-Time Commission, Club Soda and the Safety Thirst scheme.

 

DURING his tenure, forty licensing hearings took place including two reviews, and he paid particular attention to ensuring Hearings were conducted in a fair, clear and open manner. There were also no successful appeals against the decisions of the Licensing Sub-Committees under Mr Dunphy’s chairmanship.

 

THROUGHOUT his term of office, Peter has managed the Committee’s deliberations with a fair and firm hand to ensure that the Committee executed its duties in a competent manner. 

 

FINALLY, in congratulating their former Chairman upon a most successful term of office, his colleagues wish to thank him for his enthusiasm and commitment and to express the hope that with continued good health and happiness he can continue to serve the City Corporation for many years to come.