Agenda and minutes

The following declaration of interest was made:

Councillor Lucy Hodgson informed the Committee that she was a recently appointed member of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).

Mr Mohammad Sajad, a taxi driver, asked to address the Committee. He expressed concern that there had been no increase in fares for the past 5 or 6 years, despite an overall increase in the cost of living, and increases in fuel costs.

Mr Sajad also expressed frustration about traffic congestion within the City centre.

Officers advised Mr Sajad that the Worcester Taxi Forum, of which he was a member, had previously raised the issue of fare increases and had been asked to forward a proposal to the Licensing Office for the Committee to consider.

Of the meeting held on 13^th September 2021 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

For the Committee to:

1.1    Note the contents of the report, and in particular the           imminent commencement of source apportionment           investigation at key locations within the City

1.2    Note the progress made against the Air Quality Task & Finish           Group Recommendations

Officers provided an update to Committee Members on the contents of the Annual Air Quality Report. Overall Air Quality in the City was seen to be improving, which it was thought was largely due to improvements in engine technology.

Officers responded to Members’ questions arising from the update on the Task and Finish Group’s recommendations, regarding electrical vehicle charging points and ULEV pool/rental cars.

Officers agreed to check the feasibility of a system to allow users to pre-book slots at charging points.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.   Notes the contents of this report, and in particular the imminent commencement of source apportionment investigation at key locations within the City

2.   Notes the progress made against the Air Quality Task & Finish Group Recommendations

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Committee discussed the contents of a report regarding the City’s Night Time Economy. Committee Members raised concerns regarding drink-spiking and customers leaving licensed premises in a vulnerable state.

Committee Members agreed the importance of both customers and workers feeling safe in the City centre at night time. Officers highlighted a number of initiatives in this regard, including ‘Best Bar None’, an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and drinks industry that aims to improve standards in the evening and night-time economy.

The Committee discussed the Purple Flag accreditation scheme. Officers would assess the feasibility of Worcester City submitting a bid, having regard to the criteria set out. A further report on this subject would be presented to Committee in Summer 2022 by way of an update.

A proposal for a Task and Finish Group to consider the Night Time Economy was tabled but ultimately withdrawn amid concerns that it may divert resources away from some of the important work already taking place as outlined in the report.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.   Notes the contents of the report and in particular, the existing multi-agency work being undertaken in respect of the night-time economy

2.   Notes the further work that is intended to be carried out in respect of the feasibility of submitting an application for Purple Flag Status, and to report back to this Committee in Summer 2022

For the Committee to consider the responses received during the recent consultation on the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles, and recommend to Council that the revised Statement of Principles 2022–25 attached at “Appendix 3” be approved and published.

The Committee received a report summarizing the outcome of consultation results, following the triennial review of the City Council’s Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles.

Two responses were received in response to the consultation on the draft Statement of Principles. The first of the responses was received from Gosschalks Solicitors and was submitted on behalf of their clients, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). A further response to the consultation was received from the charity GambleAware.

As a result of the response from Gosschalks, a minor amendment was made to the draft Statement.

Officers responded to questions regarding advertising in connection with gambling.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.   Considered the responses received during the recent consultation on the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles

2.   Recommends to Council that the revised Statement of Principles 2022–25 be approved and published.

For the Committee to note the contents of the report, in particular the draft Licensing & Environmental Health fees and charges for 2022/23 at Appendix 1, and resolve to recommend the draft Licensing & Environmental Health fees and charges for 2022/2023 to Council for their approval.

The Committee considered a report on the recent annual review of Licensing fees and charges 2022-23. Most fees remained unchanged, having been put on hold due to the pandemic. Committee Members noted that Alcohol and Entertainment (Licensing Act 2003) licensing fees are set nationally by Central Government and are not under the control of the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.   Notes the contents of the report, in particular the draft Licensing & Environmental Health fees and charges for 2022/23

2.   Resolves to recommend the draft Licensing & Environmental Health fees and charges for 2022/2023 to Council for their approval.

Which in the opinion of the Chair is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

None.