The Chair welcomed Members to the first meeting of the Licensing Committee for the Municipal Year 2015/16. 

To receive nominations for the election of the Vice-Chair.

The Chair sought nominations for election of Vice-Chair. 

Councillor Rajib Ahmed nominated Councillor Peter Golds as Vice Chair. Councillors Shah Alam, Khales Ahmed and Ansar Mustaquim seconded the nomination.

There being no further nominations it was;

That Councillor Peter Golds be elected Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee for the Municipal Year 2015/2016.

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 meetings of the Licensing Committee held on 10th March 2015 and the Extraordinary Licensing Committee meetings held on 17^th March, 14^th April, 28^th April, 12^th May & 23^rd June 2015 (to follow) as an accurate record of the proceedings.

That the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 10^th March 2015 and the Extraordinary Licensing Committees held on 17^th March, 14^th April, 28^th April, 12^th May and 23^rd June 2015 were confirmed and agreed as a correct record.

Subject to one amendment on 28^th April and on 23^rd June 2015 to note apologies for Councillor Amy Whitelock-Gibbs as apologies were received in advance.

The Committee received a brief report which detailed the Licensing Committee’s terms of reference, quorum, membership and schedule of dates for the Municipal Year 2015/16 as agreed by Full Council at its meeting held on 24^th June 2015.

1.         That the Licensing Committee Terms of Reference, Membership and Quorum as set out in Appendices 1 & 2 be noted.

The Committee received a report which detailed the need to establish Licensing Sub Committees, appoint Sub Committee Chairs and membership to the Sub Committees.

The Chair asked for nominations and volunteers to be Chairs of the Licensing Sub Committees, a short discussion followed and it was;

1)    That the Licensing Sub Committees be established.

2)    That nine Licensing Sub Committee Chairs be appointed.

3)    That Councillors Amy Whitelock-Gibbs, Candida Ronald, Joshua Peck, Rachael Saunders, Rajib Ahmed, Denise Jones, Clare Harrisson, the Vice-Chair Peter Golds and the Chair, Councillor Khales Ahmed be appointed as Chairs of the Licensing Sub Committees. 

4)    That all Members of the Licensing Committee serve on the Sub Committees (a Sub Committee consisting of a named Chair and any two other members).

5)    That the Licensing Sub Committee Terms of Reference attached as Appendix 1, the Schedule of Dates attached as Appendix 2 and the Rules of Procedure attached as Appendix 3 be noted.

Mr David Tolley, Head of Consumer and Business Regulations introduced the report which detailed the application to increase the licence fee for the tattoo convention. It was noted that the Tattoo Convention was a 3 day event which had taken place in Tobacco Dock for the last 7 years.  It involves around 300 Tattooists from all over the world providing tattoos to members of the public over the 3 days. It was further noted that a Special Treatment licence was required for each operator therefore an increase in the licensing fee had been requested so that Officers can carry out the relevant checks, inspections, and if needed, corrective actions for each operator to ensure that the event is safe and the risk associated with blood borne viruses are managed.

Mr Tolley explained that the convention would be taking place on 25^th, 26^th and 27th September 2015 and Officers will be liaising with the organiser and tattooists, (approximately 300), to assess their individual plans and risk assessments leading up to the event.

In response to questions the following was noted;

-       That the increased fee included officers carrying out review and audits of the overall event management plan and the individual risk assessments for each operator.

-       That Mr Tolley would ask officers to speak to the promoters about displaying signage directing visitors to the nearest tube stations and suitable signage asking visitors to leave the area quietly and respect the needs of local residents. 

-       That Officers would also ask the promoters to address the issues of litter/bottles left on the pavements after the event.

-       That adequate number of security staff would be employed to keep visitors within the venue so not to disturb local residents.

1. That the application fee for a massage and special treatment licence for 2015 London Tattoo Convention be set at £2,866. 

Ms Agnes Adrien, Team Leader, Enforcement and Litigation briefly introduced the report which detailed licensing related prosecutions and appeals for Quarter 4 2014/2015 and Quarter 1 2015/2016. 

Members welcomed the report, noted the results of the prosecutions and appeals detailed in the report.

That the report be noted.

There was no other business.