Dundee Licensing Forum - 03/06/2014

At a MEETING of the DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM held at Dundee on 3rd June, 2014.

Present:-

Mr Bryan COLEMAN, Police Scotland

Ms Vered HOPKINS, ADP Support Team

Mr Jonathan STEWART, Licence Holder

Ms Morag BEATTIE, DUNCAN Project

Mr Garvie JAMIESON, Community Representative

Dr Lucy DENVER, NHS

Ms Melissa GORMAN, Dundee Youth Council

Mr Simon GOULDING, LSO

Mr Craig SOMERS (Substitute for Graeme PETRIE, LSO)

Mr Blair FINLAY, Public Health Improvement Officer, DCC

In attendance

John McDONALD, Legal

Vered HOPKINS, in the Chair.

I APOLOGIES

Apologies were intimated from Pete Harvey, Liz Kay, Doug Winton, Chris Sloan and Yvonne Tosh.

II APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

In the absence of Pete Harvey, it was agreed that Vered Hopkins take the chair.

III MINUTE OF MEETING OF DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM OF 8TH APRIL, 2014

The minute of meeting of the Forum of 8th April, 2014 was submitted and approved.

IV MATTERS ARISING

(a) CONSULTATION ON OVERPROVISION

On a reference to Article VI of the minute it was noted that responses to the consultation document had been made individually by licence holders and interested parties/agencies.

(b) TEST PURCHASING

On a reference to Article IV of the minute, Bryan Coleman advised that he had obtained information on the use and effectiveness of the practice of test purchasing over Scotland on a whole and this had indicated that this was not effective in identifying the sources of the supply of alcohol to young people.

V SAFETY BUS UPDATE

It was reported that the Safety Bus was off the road at present. Vered Hopkins advised that she would attempt to find out the present position, and report back to Forum.

VI FOCUS ON ALCOHOL UPDATE

Vered Hopkins gave an update on Focus on Alcohol activities including:-

VII S.T.A.R. UPDATE

Morag Beattie gave an update on the new S.T.A.R. scheme which was replacing BBN in Dundee. (S.T.A.R. stands for Safety, Training, Awareness and Responsibility). Uptake had been good but had been limited to 20 premises for the first year and assessments were about to start. The scoring booklets had been revised and improved and thanks were extended to Simon Goulding for his assistance in this. Any suggestions for funding/sponsorship would also be very welcome.

VIII LICENSING BOARD EXTENDED LICENSING HOURS POLICY

It was reported that the Board were inviting comments on the operation of the extended licensing hours policy which was adopted last autumn (pubs until 0100, hybrids until 0200, clubs until 0300 on Fridays/Saturdays). It had been agreed that it would review the operation of the policy after about six months or so. It is proposed that a report be submitted to the Board on 24th June, 2014 in this regard.

It was confirmed that the existing extended licences could not be revoked but the Board could review the policy for new applications should they see fit.

It was noted that 40 out of 120 premises had taken up the option of extended hours. Anecdotal evidence seemed to indicate that people were not drinking more alcohol as a result, but the change had increased business costs.

IX FURTHER OPTIONS FOR ALCOHOL LICENSING

It was reported for information that the Scottish Government consulted on Further Options for Alcohol Licensing from 19th December, 2012 to 21st March, 2013. The consultation covered proposals for changes to the alcohol licensing regime in Scotland. These proposals addressed the concerns raised by a wide variety of stakeholder and were grouped under two themes:- proposals to strengthen the powers of Licensing Boards and the Police, and proposals to improve the effectiveness of the licensing regime. In addition, it was anticipated that these proposals would contribute to the overall aims of the Scottish Government to address the problems of alcohol misuse, while minimising the burdens on the legitimate trade and regulators. Views were invited on the proposals, respondents were also asked whether they had any additional proposals or concerns.

The consultation attracted 122 responses and these can be accessed at:-

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2013/10/9066

X AIR WEAPONS AND LICENSING (SCOTLAND) BILL

It was reported for information that certain proposals have now been taken forward via the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill which has just been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. Further details are available on the Scottish Parliament website at

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/76383.aspx

The Bill introduces a licensing regime for air weapons and sexual entertainment venues and makes a number of changes to other licensing regimes, including alcohol, taxis and private hire cars and metal dealers.

There was submitted for the information of members a paper on the above produced by the TLT Licensing Team.

XI DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, 2nd September, 2014 at 2.00 p.m. in Committee Room 3, 14 City Square, Dundee.