Issue - meetings

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report updating Members on the impact of alcohol use on policing with East Hertfordshire town centres.  The report sought Members’ views on the work to amend the Council’s statutory Statement of Licensing Policy and  a proposal to present Members of Licensing Committee with a presentation by Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health team of the impact of alcohol consumption on health services.  The Head of Housing and Health provided a summary of the report.

Councillor H Drake referred to the fact that the night time economy (NTE) was an essential part of the economy.  She referred to the positive use of Scannet and that the Taxi Marshalling scheme should continue to be supported as this provided users with confidence that they were going to get home safely.  The Member was pleased to see that under the licensing rules, most food establishments closed well before bars and that the only option then was to get a taxi home.  Councillor J Goodeve commented that the NTE was important but that it could be a nuisance to residents.

Councillor N Symonds was concerned that the importance and role of Street Pastors had not been mentioned in the report.

Councillor B Deering questioned the role of licensing, premises changing use and planning and whether the use of Section 106 monies could be used to support the Taxi Marshalling scheme.  The Head of Housing and Health explained the restrictions and uses of Section 106 monies and how these resources could be used.

The Head of Housing and Health summarised the advantages of using Scannet.  Councillor M Casey queried the bid to the Police Crime Commission to support subsidising the use of Scannet. 

Councillor G Cutting praised the uses and benefits of Scannet.  He explained that the machines could be rented for about £40 a month.

The Committee Chairman sought assurances that the data protection protocols were robust.  Councillor Cutting urged the Chairman to attend a presentation on the system adding that it was an amazing piece of kit.

In response to a query from the Committee Chairman, the Head of Housing and Health explained the benefits of the “Purple Flag” accreditation status.

The Committee supported the report as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received;

(B)   the views of the Police on the impact of alcohol on their activities be noted and that any views on how the Council and Police can work together to mitigate the impact be forwarded to the Head of Housing and Health;

(C)   initial views on the upcoming review of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy regarding applications from licensed premises be provided to the Head of Housing and Health for consideration; and

(D)   the Head of Housing and Health be requested to report to the Licensing Committee on the impact of alcohol on health services following the presentation by Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health team.