Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Carter, Andrew Johnson and Lanie Shears.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2022 be agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

None.

None.

Councillor Nick Churchill advised the Committee that he would be meeting with Licensing Officers to devise the work plan for 2023/24 and would arrange for the work plan to be circulated to the Committee, around June time.

RESOLVED that the work plan was noted.

The Committee received an update report on the street drinking reduction scheme.

Councillor James Griggs proposed (seconded by Councillor Clive Souter) that the scheme should be rolled out town wide. The Chair undertook to discuss this with  Licensing Officers and provide an update to the Committee mid-May.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Licensing Committee note the content of the report.

B     A report be brought to the next Licensing Committee meeting to consider recommendations in paragraph 28 of the report.

Gordon Ashford and Ronan McManus, Essex Police, attended the Committee meeting to provide a brief overview of what Essex Police’s role was as the lead responsible authority for the Crime and Disorder Licensing Objective, what work they carried out in the district of Harlow and explain how they make decisions on police representations on applications, license conditions, hearings, applying for a review or summary review etc.

Gordon Ashford and Ronan McManus showed the Committee the various systems and databases that they use to monitor licensed premises and highlight any incidents relating to licensed premises.

Gordon Ashford and Ronan McManus explained how Essex Police collated and presented evidence for local authorities for licensing reviews.  The Committee noted that the quality of evidence provided had improved in recent years.

Gordon Ashford and Ronan McManus also explained Essex Police’s “Operation Benison” which helped to support the night-time economy across Essex and involved regular visits to licensed premises as a preventative measure.  

The Committee noted the success of Pub Watch in Harlow and the good working relationship that Essex Police had with Harlow Council’s Licensing Officers.

Any references arising from meetings held after the publication of this agenda will be circulated separately.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.