Agenda item

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 premise during the Covid pandemic and to celebrate Barnsley being awarded the Purple Flag.

Debbie Bailey provided Members with an overview of the work Licensing Officers have undertaken with licensed premises to advise and support them during the COVID pandemic and to celebrate Barnsley being awarded the Purple Flag. 

Licensing Officers have continued to proactively work with licensed premises and other responsible authorities throughout the pandemic to ensure that COVID requirements have been complied with. Officers have continued to support venues and discuss issues and concerns with licensees to ensure they understand the legislation and Government guidance and that sufficient measures have been in place to maintain the safety of all involved with the premises. The Officers’ objective has always been to ensure that all our licensed premises have operated in accordance with the COVID regulations and requirements and that sufficient measures have been in place to maintain the safety of all involved with the premises.

Complaints were received regarding premises remaining open throughout the pandemic but no premises, when visited, were found to have been open, although some licensees live on the premises and this may have contributed to the mistaken perception that the venues were open.  There has been a 50/50 split of reactive complaints and allegations and proactive work.  Enforcement activities continued over evenings and weekends.  Compassion and understanding was shown to premises at the time due to the difficulties everyone was experiencing and the continual changes in legislation which was frustrating for all concerned. 

It was highlighted that for the third time Barnsley has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy. Officers have worked hard with Licensees to raise standards and broaden the appeal of the town and achieve the recognition for providing a diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. The award is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the work that Officers and partners carry out, working with licenced premises to create a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to visit for people of all ages. 

Members expressed their congratulations to Licensing on achieving the Purple Flag, reiterating the importance of people having a good time whilst staying safe in the Town Centre.

The ‘Best Bar None’ award for public houses and clubs is being relaunched in the Town Centre and awards will be given out in May.  It has not been the best time to advertise the initiative due to the pandemic, but 45 premises have already signed up to it in the Town Centre.  This is also being trialled in the Dearne.

RESOLVED that Debbie Bailey be thanked for her attendance and update and for all the work that she and her team has done throughout the pandemic and in achieving the Purple Flag award.