Dundee Licensing Forum - 08/04/2014
At a MEETING of the DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM held at Dundee on 8th April, 2014.
Present:-
Mr Pete HARVEY, Licence Holder
Ms Morag BEATTIE, DUNCAN Project
Mr Douglas WINTON, Tayside Fire and Rescue
Mr Simon GOULDING, LSO
Mr Chris SLOAN, DUSA
Mr Bryan COLEMAN, Police Scotland
Ms Vered HOPKINS, Drug and Alcohol Partnership
Dr Lucy DENVIR, NHS
Ms Yvonne TOSH, Community Representative
Mr Graeme JAMIESON, Community Representative
Dundee Licensing Board
Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS
Councillor Brian GORDON
In attendance
Maureen MORAN, Legal
Craig SOMERS, Environmental Health
Pete HARVEY in the Chair.
I ELECTION OF CONVENER
It was agreed to elect Pete Harvey as Convener of the Forum. It was also remitted to the Secretary to invite nominations for a Vice-Convener.
II APOLOGIES
Apologies were intimated from Jonathan Stewart, Laura Kerr, Graeme Petrie and Councillor Cordell.
III MINUTE OF MEETING OF DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM OF 3RD DECEMBER 2013
The minute of the above meeting was submitted and approved.
IV LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 - SECTION 12A - CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT TO THE LICENSING BOARD AND FORUM
There was submitted the Chief Constable's report to the Licensing Board and Forum for the year to March 2013, and Bryan Coleman gave a brief outline of its contents.
He outlined the ways in which Police Scotland were working in partnership with other agencies and communities to identify and tackle alcohol misuse and reduce alcohol related crime, including:
- diversionary activities such as street sports for young people
- Best Bar None
- Operation Dry Up
- Operation Centre Safe
- Street Pastors
The introduction of Licensing Standards Officers were also seen as valuable in identifying and monitoring problematic premises and improving standards.
One of the most recent multi agency projects was the Welcome Bus, and it was agreed to invite Eric Knox to give an overview of the initiative and its outcomes to date at the next meeting.
There was also discussion regarding the use of test purchasing and it was noted that it was being used to some effect in Glasgow. Bryan Coleman agreed to further investigate the matter.
V BEST BAR NONE UPDATE
Morag Beattie outlined proposals to launch a scheme similar to Best Bar None, but using a local model.
It was felt that the national framework did not now fit the needs of the local trade and a more local scheme could be more tailored to this. It would also provide an opportunity to relaunch and revitalise the initiative. Categories and questions would be more suited to the needs of the locality, and any suggestions in this connection from the trade and other bodies involved in the scheme were invited. Any suggestions for local sponsorship would also be welcomed.
VI CONSULTATION ON OVERPROVISION
There was submitted a copy of the Licensing Board's Public Consultation Document on overprovision of Licensed premises with the area.
The Dundee City ADP had carried out detailed and comprehensive research over a considerable period, and the results had suggested that most alcohol related harm was related to five particular areas, ie. Maryfield, Coldside, Lochee, East End and North East.
The consultation document would be circulated to community groups throughout the City, as well as all licence holders and interested agencies.
Following discussion, it was agreed that the Secretary prepare a response which would be circulated to members for approval and thereafter to the Board.
VII AOCB
(a) Blues Bonanza
Regret was expressed regarding the cancellation of this event in the current year and it was hoped that all efforts would be made to support it in future.
(b) Hogmanay Event
To be further discussed. The possibility of a family orientated event was suggested.
VIII DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 3rd June at 2pm in City Chambers, Dundee.