Licensing Committee

What role does it have?

The full committee meets to consider applications and appeals on matters relating to licensing except where they have been delegated to officers. For example this includes applications for street trading licences, taxi driver/operators licences, and licences to operate sex shops. For further information on this particular aspect, refer to  Guidance for making representations (PDF, 107kb) (opens in a new window) .

Membership

The membership of this committee consists of 12 councillors. The full membership of the committee can be found from the link on the left of the screen.

When does it meet?

The full committee is scheduled to meet 6 times per year, although additional meetings may be held if required.

Members of the public are welcome to attend committee meetings. If a licence application is being considered, members of the public may only speak at committee if they have already submitted written representation on that application to the council within the prescribed time.

However any member of the public may speak on any other agenda items, please refer to Guidance for Speaking at Meetings (PDF, 23kb) (opens in a new window) .

Licensing Sub-Committee

What role does it have?

The sub-committee considers applications for licences in respect of the Licensing Act 2003 that have not otherwise been delegated to officers. This includes applications for new, as well as variations to existing, premises licences and covers the sale of alcohol, various forms of entertainment, and the hours permitted for the licensable activities to take place. The sub-committee also considers reviews of premises licences that may be requested by Responsible Authorities (Police, Trading Standards) or Interested Parties (local residents).

Applications for licences are received by the Licensing Section and are advertised by posting a notice up on the premises. There is a period of 28 days during which you may submit a written representation to the Council. For further information on this particular aspect refer to Guidance for making representations (PDF, 107kb) (opens in a new window) .

Membership

This consists of three councillors selected from the full Licensing Committee membership - usually the Chair (or Vice chair) plus two other councillors.

When does it meet?

The sub-committee meets as and when required.

Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the sub-committee. However they are only allowed to speak at sub-committee meetings if they have already submitted written representation to the council about the application being considered, within the prescribed time.