Dundee Licensing Forum - 19/04/2011

At a MEETING of the DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM held at Dundee on 19th April, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Dundee Licensing Forum

 

Mr Colin RATTRAY

Mr Simon GOULDING

Ms Kirstie WILKINSON

Ms Morag BEATTIE

Mr Graeme PETRIE

Mr Johnathan STEWART

Ms Kirsty LICENCE

Ms Liz KAY

Mr John PEARSON

 

Mr Chris SLOAN

 

 

Dundee Licensing Board

 

Councillors

 

 

 

 

 

Brian GORDON

David BOWES

Christina ROBERTS

 

Colin RATTRAY, Convener, in the Chair.

 

I APOLOGIES

 

Apologies were intimated from Bailie Wallace, Councillor Fordyce, Bryan Coleman and Katrina Finnon.

 

II APPOINTMENT OF CONVENER

 

In terms of Schedule 2 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and paragraph 7 of the Forum's constitution, Forum members will elect a Convener at their first meeting in each calendar year.

 

The Forum unanimously elected Chris Sloan as Convener and thanked Colin Rattray for his efforts over the previous years.

 

III MINUTES

 

(a) MINUTE OF MEETING OF DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM OF 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2010

 

(b) MINUTE OF MEETING OF DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM OF 26TH OCTOBER, 2010

 

The minutes of the above meeting were submitted and approved.

 

IV MEMBERSHIP

 

In terms of Paragraph 4 of the Constitution of the Forum, members were appointed at the first meeting of the Council following an election and served for a period of four years, after which they would be eligible for re-election.

 

This 4 year term had been chosen to coincide with the term of office of the Councillors (and therefore of the members of the Board), but, since then, the Council term for 2007/2011 had been extended to 2012 and then 4 yearly thereafter to avoid a clash with the Scottish general election next May and future such elections.

 

The Forum agreed to amend its constitution to extend the term of office by a year, and remitted to the Secretary make the necessary amendments.

 

In addition it was reported that Hamish Tait had indicated that due to changes in work commitments, he was obliged to resign from the Forum. The Forum expressed their thanks for his contribution to the work of the Forum and remitted to the Secretary to write to him in these terms on its behalf.

 

V COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - FEEDBACK FROM DUNDEE PARTNERSHIP - COMMUNITY CONFERENCE - ALCOHOL AND YOUR COMMUNITY, 23RD OCTOBER, 2011

 

There was submitted a report by the Dundee Partnership Team summarising the outcomes from a Community Conference held on 23rd October, 2011 which considered the impact of alcohol on communities.

 

It was reported that a number of actions had been identified which would be put together in a draft action plan which would be circulated in due course. The need for an ongoing multi-agency approach involving all sections of the community was stressed.

 

VI OVERPROVISION

 

Kirsty Licence reported on work which had been done on a national basis on overprovision through SHAAP and Alcohol Focus Scotland. It was noted that Alcohol Focus Scotland was building a database which could be used by Boards in assessing overprovision, and would make recommendations to the Government regarding changes to the guidance provided for the Licensing Act. Details of this would be reported to Boards and Forums later in the year.

 

It was noted that the ADP would be progressing this work on a local level and would keep the Forum updated.

 

In addition it was reported that the Board had agreed in its Policy Statement of Licensing Policy for 2011-2014, adopted at the December 2010 meeting, to an ongoing assessment of overprovision based upon the responses received in consultation and the comments put forward at the Community Conference in October. The Board's officials had been asked to undertake a detailed evidence gathering exercise and to report back to the Board to suggest possible amendments to the policy and to consider whether any particular areas were overprovided for in terms of licensed premises.

 

VII MINIMUM PRICING ON ALCOHOL

 

The Forum confirmed its continued support for minimum pricing on alcohol.

 

A draft letter prepared by the Chairman had been circulated to members and it was agreed that this be sent to other Forums with a view to progressing the issue collectively.

 

VIII INTRODUCTION OF PLASTIC BOTTLES

 

There was submitted a report by the DUNCAN/Best Bar None Co-ordinator relative to the possibility of the introduction of plastic bottles for all late night operators.

 

It was reported that a Dundee based Cash and Carry had agreed to fully support this initiative and were willing to drop the cost of plastic bottles to match that of glass bottles for an initial three month period. Samples of bottles/glass were available at the meeting. Details of costs were also circulated. It was advised any additional financial implications would be minimal and the safety of both patrons and staff by far outweighed any such cost. It had also been reported that if there was an increase in the demand for plastic, it might result in the price of plastic bottles reducing and becoming cheaper than purchasing glass bottles.

 

It was noted that Tayside Police fully supported this initiative.

 

It was agreed that the matter be the subject of further discussions amongst the City's late night operators.

 

IX DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

Tuesday, 7th June, 2011 at 2pm in the City Chambers, Dundee.