The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question and Response were noted.

DECISION

1.    To agree the forward programme for consulting on the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy.

2.    To agree, that the consultation should be based on the proposed changes detailed in Appendix Two to the report.

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director, Place authority to make any pre consultation amendments to the policy deemed necessary following consultation with the Corporate Director Governance.

4.    To consult whether to retain the current Cumulative Impact Zone in the Brick Lane area at Appendices 1 and 3 to the report.

5.    To consider whether to consult on a further Cumulative Impact Zone for Bethnal Green Road/ Cambridge Health Road to Old Bethnal Green Road that forms part of the Licensing Policy.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (D. Tolley)

Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, introduced the report. She highlighted that since the introduction of the policy there had been a reduction in anti-social behaviour and in licensing applications. The report considered a proposal to extend the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) in the Brick Lane area but concluded there was insufficient evidence for that expansion. However, the report did provide evidence that it could be worth considering a new CIZ in the Bethnal Green area and so it was proposed to consult on that option.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He confirmed his view that the Council had a robust licensing policy and the Licensing Committee received good advice from officers which ensured very few decisions had been successfully challenged. He stated it was important to review the CIZ areas as a duty to residents who were impacted by the problems highlighted in the report.

The Mayor welcomed the comments received and noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question and Response. He suggested that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee may wish to take on a role of monitoring the effectiveness of the Council’s licensing policies should they wish. He noted the public expectation that new applications would normally be refused in CIZ areas. He agreed the recommendations including to consult on a potential new CIZ in Bethnal Greeen.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the forward programme for consulting on the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy.

2.    To agree, that the consultation should be based on the proposed changes detailed in Appendix Two to the report.

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director, Place authority to make any pre consultation amendments to the policy deemed necessary following consultation with the Corporate Director Governance.

4.    To consult whether to retain the current Cumulative Impact Zone in the Brick Lane area at Appendices 1 and 3 to the report.

5.    To consult on a further Cumulative Impact Zone for Bethnal Green Road/ Cambridge Health Road to Old Bethnal Green Road that forms part of the Licensing Policy.