To:Licensing Board
Councillor Jaffrey, Convener; and Councillors Boulton, Clark, Cormie, Donnelly, Hunter, Penny, Robertson and Young.
Licensing Forum
Allan McIntosh, Convener; Ross Blackadder, Vice-Convener; William Christie, Matt Dexter, Graeme Knowles, Eddie Tobin, Michael Wilson and George Wyatt (Representatives of Holders of Premises Licences/Personal Licences); Inspector Peter Morrison, Grampian Police; Neil Carnegie, Harry Miller and Dr. Lesley Wilkie (Representatives of Functions relating to Health, Education and Social Work); Reuben McKay (Representative of Young People); Councillor Norman Collie, Mary Crawford, Ken Eddie, Councillor Jim Farquharson, Councillor Martin Greig, and Depute Provost John West (Representatives of Residents within the Forum’s Area); and Raymond Morrison (Representing Licensing Standards Officers).
Also:- Gerard Rattray, Hospitality Training; Gordon Gray, Community Fire Safety and Stanley Morrice, McLeish Brothers all of whom are invited to attend the meeting without voting rights.
Town House,
ABERDEEN, 10th June, 2008
JOINT MEETING OF ABERDEEN CITY LICENSING BOARD WITH ABERDEEN CITY LICENSING FORUM
The Members of the ABERDEEN CITY LICENSING BOARD AND ABERDEEN CITY LICENSING FORUM are requested to meet in The Council Chamber, Town House, Aberdeen on TUESDAY 17th JUNE, 2008 at 10.00am.
RODERICK MACBEATH
HEAD OF DEMOCRATIC SERVICES
B U S I N E S S
1. Appointment of Chairperson - how will these meetings be chaired?
2. Composition of Local Licensing Forum
3. The Forum have submitted the following matters for discussion at the meeting:-
Curfew
The Forum were not supportive of the Board’s decision to impose a curfew from 12.30am on licensed premises which open after 1.00am in the City. Can the Forum be told how the policy is working, and when the Board are to review it?
How are the Board kept informed?
The Forum would like to know what mechanisms are in force to keep the Board informed so that the Board can adequately address the five licensing principles stated in the 2005 Act, in particular the protection of children from harm.
Hot food premises
The Forum would like to know how the Board proposes to address problems principally at taxi ranks caused by patrons coming out from licensed premises and nightclubs during the early hours of the morning particularly at weekends and lingering to consume hot food purchased from premises in the City Centre. Would it be possible to stagger the closing times of clubs to spread the demand over a longer period of time? Or could the clubs be persuaded to supply hot food for patrons after their bars close?
Overprovision
The Forum are aware of concerns among people who reside close to the City Centre at the increasing number of licensed premises there, but they are also aware of the need for a vibrant entertainment sector in the City. What steps are the Board taking to contain the problems associated with people frequenting licensed premises in the City Centre within an area located within recognised boundaries allowing police and other enforcement agencies to target their resources in an effective manner?
Off sales
The Forum are aware that some retail outlets are instructing their staff not to sell alcoholic liquor to persons who appear to be under the age of 21. Have the Board considered discussing this issue with licensees to explore whether such a policy might be extended?
4. Policy and Future Direction of Licensing in Aberdeen City - Some issues from the LLF for consideration:-
(i) Should the Licensing Forum have a forward plan designed to address the five objectives under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005?
(ii) If so, should this be a joint plan with the Board?
(iii) Who should be consulted in the preparation of such a plan?
(iv) Should the Forum (or a Sub-Committee) meet with the Board (or a Sub-Group) more frequently than once a year to consider particular issues in greater depth?
(v) Can any other steps be taken to enhance the relationship between the Forum and the Board?
