Agenda item

Enforcement Update

 

The Service Director Legal Services will submit a report providing an overview of the work Licensing Officers are currently undertaking to advise and support licensed premises during the COVID pandemic.

 

Minutes:

The Service Director Legal Services submitted a report providing members with an overview of the work Licensing Officers are currently undertaking to advise and support licenced premises during the COVID pandemic.

 

Members were informed that Officers had been jointly working with other local authorities and other responsible authorities such as Public Health to provide support and guidance to licensees to ensure that they were following government guidelines and that sufficient measures had been put in place in order for premises to reopen safely from the 4th July.  Officers will continue to carry out visits to premises and hold regular meetings with licensees to follow up on any complaints or concerns raised in relation to COVID regulations.

 

Members noted that some premises had remained closed both as it would not be cost effective to open with the reduced numbers and some simply had not got the space and could not comply with the regulations.  However it was noted that more and more establishments had been gradually opening up and were able to comply with guidance and keep everyone safe.  Follow up visits would be taking place with the support of Public Health to ensure standards were being maintained and complied with and officers would continue to provide guidance and support to assist the premises to ensure the health and safety of all concerned.

 

In the ensuing discussion, the following matters were raised:

 

·         There had been no COVID non-compliant closures of premises, any premises that had done so voluntarily.  However after an inspection if Officers had severe concerns then the venue would be encouraged to close to become compliant and re-open once those requirements could be met safely

·         Officers were working closely with Public Health for future visits, giving them information and advice as to what to expect to ensure a consistent approach.  Regular weekly meetings were being held in order to touch base and answer any queries that may have arisen

·         The Test and Trace recording methods were reported as being different in different venues, but that there was no right or wrong way for premises to record visitors as the COVID requirements were not enforceable.  However if there were reports of a venue not recording visitors then these should be reported to Licensing Officers in order for them to target resources in that area.

·         Reports or concerns can be reported to either Regulatory Services or the Licensing Team as regular meetings are held to share information

·         Regular meetings are held with Public Health and South Yorkshire Police to ensure premises remain compliant with the regulations and that everyone has the same objectives in offering support and guidance to ensure premises can remain open.

RESOLVED:

 

(i)         that the report be noted and the Board place on record it’s thanks and appreciation to all involved in continually working to ensure COVID Regulations are adhered to and keeping everyone safe; and

 

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

Supporting documents:

 

A - Z Directory