Issue - meetings

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Councillor M McMullen had requested comments from the Legal Section on the appearance of Councillors in the Magistrates’ Court for appeals.

The Legal Services Manager explained that it was possible that Councillors would be asked to appear when there was an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court about a decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee.  However, recent cases had been dealt with and resolved by Officers, so that no Councillors had been called upon.  He hoped the same would apply to a recent case that had arisen in Sawbrigeworth. 

In response to concerns expressed by Members, he assured them that they would be given full support by his team although the initial statement giving a view of proceedings at the Sub-Committee would have to come from the Member appearing in Court.  He emphasised the need to inform him if Members felt they were not adequately supported in licensing matters.  He assured them of his every efforts to ensure this was the case and would address any further concerns they had.

Members noted the comments of the Legal Service Manager.

RESOLVED – that the comments of the Legal Service Manager on support for them on Licensing matters be noted.