Agenda item

Ian Leete, Advisor, introduced the paper looking at the links between managing the evening and night-time economy and how councils are using licensing to encourage a more positive usage of evening and night time hubs. The Board was invited to contribute ideas for inclusion in a forthcoming best practice handbook for councillors.

There was a short discussion, during which members made a number of comments:

·         Licensing should be finessed to differentiate between the types of premises and the type of drinking, particularly in cumulative areas.

·         In many areas the problems of antisocial drinking happen before the evening – for example, from mid-afternoon in relation to stag and hen parties. This should be taken into account when considering the ‘night-time’ economy and licensing.

·         It would be interesting to see what came from London’s Night Time Commission, and greater flexibility in the system would be helpful. Test purchasing of sales to drunks was also a problem area, though Conwy had made use of an actor to conduct the tests.

·         Councils are not trying to stop people enjoying themselves but are trying to prevent the antisocial aspect of the evening and night-time economy.

·         There was some concern that public protection orders simply move the relevant problem onto other areas.

·         It is important to understand what was learned from the first round of local alcohol action areas.

·         The Purple Flag scheme could be better promoted.

Decision:

The Board agreed to review the findings of the London Night-Time Commission.

Action:

Officers to progress in line with members comments and to arrange a meeting for Cllr Page, as Licensing Champion, with the Night Time Industries Association.