Agenda and minutes

To note the appointments made by Council at the Annual Meeting:-

Chair – Councillor Randle

Vice Chair – Councillor Patel

The following appointments, made by Council at the Annual Meeting were noted:-

Chair – Councillor Randle

Vice Chair – Councillor Patel

No declarations were made on this occasion.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Special Licensing and Enforcement Committee held on 8 April 2014.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2014 were confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no questions from members of the public.

There were no petitions or deputations.

To receive an update from Gloucestershire Constabulary on matters relating to licensing and enforcement.  (Time allocation up to one hour).

RESOLVED that this item be deferred until September.

To receive the report of the Head of Public Protection which outlines a proposal for a voluntary Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme (THRS) which would be open to all premises offering tattooing that are registered with the City Council.

The Food, Licensing and Markets Manager presented the report which detailed a proposal to adopt a Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme in the City of Gloucester.

She advised Members that the voluntary Scheme which had been developed with the support of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union, was being adopted by all the Districts in Gloucestershire.

The Chair asked if the Scheme could be made mandatory and was advised that persons carrying out tattooing must be registered with the City Council and were inspected with an emphasis on infection control procedures.

The Food, Licensing and Markets Manager was not aware of any current cases of infection caused by tattooing. She noted the risks of ‘underground;’ tattooists or ‘scratchers’ and believed that the Scheme would drive up standards in the City.

The Vice Chair asked if those consulted on the Scheme and were in favour of a local scheme had been aware of the cost implications. He was informed that tattooing was a profitable trade and that those who operated properly were in favour of the Scheme. Research undertaken for the development of the Scheme showed that 80 per cent of the trade thought a rating scheme would be beneficial and 80 per cent believed that the current registration scheme was not adequate.

The Vice Chair asked why the Scheme only used a four star system rather than the more usual five stars as used in the ‘Scores on Doors’ food establishment rating scheme. He was advised that the four star rating was part of the Scheme prepared for use nationally. He was also advised that the Council logo would be incorporated in the certificate and window stickers.

RESOLVED that the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme as outlined in the report be adopted in the City of Gloucester with immediate effect.

To receive the report of the Head of Public Protection which seeks approval for adoption of the revised Sex Establishments Policy Statement (prior to its presentation to Full Council by the Chair of Licensing and Enforcement Committee).

The Food, Licensing and Markets Manager presented the report which informed the Committee of the outcome of consultation on the draft revised Sex Establishment Policy Statement and invited the Committee to recommend to the Council that the Policy Statement be adopted with immediate effect.

She advised Members that no comments had been received from the consultees which she believed reflected the minor nature of the amendments proposed.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that the revised Sex Establishment Policy Statement be adopted to take immediate effect.

To receive the report of the Head of Public Protection which seeks approval for adoption of the final draft statement of Licensing Policy and Guidelines for Scrap Metal.

The Food, Licensing and Markets Manager presented the report which detailed the outcome of consultation on the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy and Guidelines for Scrap Metal and invited the Committee to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy and Guidelines for Scrap Metal with immediate effect.

She advised that the consultation period had been 17 March to 9 June 2014. The three written responses were detailed at Appendix C to the report and a number of suggestions for the avoidance of doubt had been incorporated in the final draft version before the Committee.

Councillor Witts expressed concern at the continuing use of loudspeakers on scrap metal collection vehicles in residential areas. He was advised that this was an offence under separate legislation and an informative warning note that the use of such devices for the purposes of a trade or business was an offence had been included on the licence application form. Members were advised that the Environmental Protection Team were currently pursuing a prosecution for such an offence.

The Vice Chair asked for increased enforcement measures and suggested that members of the public witnessing such events should take note of the registration number of the vehicle involved and inform the Council.

RESOLVED that the final draft Statement of Licensing Policy and Guidelines for Scrap Metal be adopted to take immediate effect.

To receive the report of the Head of Public Protection which details key licensing activities carried out in the last quarter, details of any enforcement work, progress updates on the work plan and any changes in Licensing law.

The Food, Licensing and Markets Manager presented the report which provided details of the following:-

·         Licensing Activities in the last Quarter

·         New Licensing Applications

·         Court Cases and other Enforcement Work

·         Legislative Updates

·         Forward Work Plan

She introduced Darren Mountford, the Council’s newly appointed Senior Licensing and Markets Officer.

Councillor Tracey asked about the Taxi drivers’ cabin in Broome Way and she was advised that it was to be demolished due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. She questioned where the drivers would be able to go for their breaks and the Chair believed that they would return to their bases.

The Chair was advised that the gate at the Butlers Nightclub end of Organ’s Alley was expected to be installed on 16 July. The gate at the other end of the alley would be installed by a different contractor at the end of July.

Councillor Lugg advised that two private hire drivers had told her recently that when there had been trouble in the evenings in Eastgate Street, they had, on occasion, been ordered by the police to take people home. She believed that this could a contravention of the terms of their licence. She was advised that Officers were in discussion with the police regarding this issue.

The Vice Chair was pleased that the team was nearly up to full strength and he thanked Officers for the report

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Tuesday, 9 September 2014 at 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 9 September 2014 at 18.30 hrs.