To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16^th October 2014 as an accurate record of the proceedings.

That the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 16^th October 2014 were confirmed and agreed as a correct record.

Ms Cam Leing, Licensing Officer gave Members a brief update on the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) work program. She explained that it was a partnership project to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour within Bethnal Green Ward and St Peter’s Ward.

It was noted that anti-social behaviour (ASB) was identified as being a problem within the CAP area, having the second highest ASB and ambulance calls for alcohol related incidents in Tower Hamlets.  There were 41 off-licences in the Wards and specific problems had been identified with underage drinking, street drinking and a general lack of retailer awareness around underage sales.

Ms Ling highlighted that a survey of 820 young people revealed 12.3% of young people had tried an alcoholic beverage.  74% of these young people were only 13 years old or younger at the time of their first alcoholic drink.  33% claimed to be obtaining their alcohol drink from their parents and 18% from off-licences.  There were a small percentage of students who did drink before attending school and/ or during school time and/ or straight after school

In response to questions the following was noted;

• That the CAP work program had been recognised at a national scale.
• That the time limit of the CAP scheme was dependent on receiving further funding.
• That THEO’s would extend their patrols in other hotspots areas, such as St Peters Close, Mullen Gardens, Nelson Gardens, Oakland School and Collingwood Estate.
• That the survey of young people was anonymous and therefore unable to identify individuals who were drinking before, during and after school. Ms Ling stated that officers did visit the school with feedback from the survey and highlighted the services available to tackle underage drinking.
• That currently the funding for CAP program was from the Drug and Alcohol Team.
• That Trading Standards had been working with retailers to promote the Responsible Retailer Scheme, offering support and guidance to off licences.
• That there should be more after school activities, youth centres and projects such as Summer Nights Lights to reduce anti-social behaviour by creating diversionary activities for young people. 
• That the CAP was working in partnership with Gateway Housing to train and support young people who were not in work or education to complete a qualification of employability and obtain work experience from Sainsburys.

Members welcomed the report and asked Mr David Tolley to keep Members updated on further progress made by the CAP, and whether additional funding is secured to start this scheme in other wards. 

That the activity that has been undertaken by the Community Alcohol Partnership be noted.

Members raised concerns about the Appeal process following decisions made at Licensing Sub Committees, the lack of training and knowledge of the process Members had and the lack of communication Members had in relation to a recent application that had been appealed.

Following a short discussion it was agreed that;

• Legal and Licensing Officers should try and contact Members via Democratic Services if they unable to contact Members.
• Members should receive robust training on the Appeals process.
• There should be summary report at each meeting of the Licensing Committee detailing the recent decisions made at Licensing Sub Committees to keep Members updated on what decisions were being made etc.

Members also requested that a report on touting is to be brought to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee detailing a draft strategy on touting in order for Members to gain a better understanding of how premises are being reviewed and monitored and a way of systemising and applying consistency across all the restaurant premises in Brick Lane.