Agenda item

The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation will submit a report providing an overview of the work of Licensing Enforcement Officers undertaken recently in relation to the Licensing Act 2003.

The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation submitted a report providing an overview of the work of Licensing Enforcement Officers undertaken recently in relation to the Licensing Act 2003.

(a)  Tour De Yorkshire

Barnsley was to host the second leg of the fourth edition of the Tour de Yorkshire on Friday 4^th May, 2018.  Officers were currently working with all licensed premises along the route giving advice in relation to the requirement of Temporary Events Notices that were required to extend opening hours so that Licensees could make the most of the event.

(b)  Best Bar None

The Best Bar None scheme for 2018 was well underway and prizes were to be made in the following categories:

·         Best Pub

·         Best Late Night Venue

·         People’s Choice

·         Overall Winner

Licensing Officers were working with eligible businesses which had expressed an interest.  The winners would be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in conjunction with the Barnsley Chronicle Awards on Friday 13^th July, 2018.

(c)  Barnsley Live 2018

This event was to be held on Saturday 16^th June 2018 and officers were working closely with Town Centre premises.  The event would raise money for Creative Recovery and was sponsored by Barnsley College.  So far, 18 venues were taking part and would be hosting 144 bands.

The event would start at 12.00 noon with live music from 1.00pm and conclude at 9.00 pm.

It was reported that proactive enforcement action would continue to take place on a regular basis where possible, despite the pressure of staffing issues, as by doing so and by encouraging individuals licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 to accept responsibility for their failures, that the safety of the public could be maintained.  An update on staffing in relation to enforcement would be provided at a future meeting.

In the ensuing discussion, the following maters were raised:

In relation to Tour de Yorkshire

·         All licensed premises on the route had been visited by officers from the Licensing Service.  Some had applied for extended hours and some were providing entertainment.  Whist it had not been made a condition, premises had been advised to use plastic or polycarbonate ‘glasses’ for drinks taken outside on the day of the event

·         In response to questioning the Board was informed of the risk assessments undertaken in relation to drinking outside and the use of plastic type glasses.  The same arrangements were in place as they were for large football type events

·         It was noted that as part of the Temporary Events Notice arrangements, the Police were informed of any proposals for the extension of hours

·         The Licensing Officer reported that she had spoken to the Taxi Marshalls who were to be on duty earlier than usual

In relation to Best Bar None:

·         Licensing Enforcement Officers were working closely with all premises involved in this scheme

·         It was noted that the Chair of the Board, Councillor C Wraith MBE, was to be involved in the presentation evening

In relation to Barnsley Live 2018:

·         It was pleasing to note that this event had been resurrected and it was hoped that it would be as successful as the previous event when no issues of concern had been identified

·         It was noted that the event provided a lifeline for the bars and clubs within the Town Centre.  It was well supported by locals, brought many from outside the area and gave a good impression of Barnsley

·         It was also noted that the organisers were to be invited into the Mayor’s Parlour as a way of thanking them for organising the event

RESOLVED:

(i)    That the Board place on record their thanks and appreciation to the staff within the Licensing Service for all their hard work in undertaking enforcement activities and ensuring the continued safety of the public and for the outstanding results achieved; and

(ii)  that update reports on all enforcement activity continue to be submitted to the Regulatory Board on a regular basis.