Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 25 April 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of 25 April 2019 were agreed and signed. 

To review the current Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) and give consideration to adopt the new Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).   

Members considered the Review of Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy report presented by Michelle Bishop.

Michelle pointed out that this was previously known as the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The policy has been brought forward for consideration for consultation due to changing legislation.   

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Lynn said that the zone covers a small area and yet there are almost 40 places where alcohol can be purchased at any given time. Councillor Humphrey agreed but said we cannot take away what already exists. This is about consulting on whether we keep the area in place, which allows us, as a committee when we attend hearings, to challenge those premises and refuse changes if necessary. It also gives us an opportunity to look at business models and their impact on the town. We do not want to restrict good businesses. He added that this does not deal with street drinking, which is dealt with in a different way.

·       Councillor Humphrey further pointed out that the police have stated that problems have reduced over the last two years, but he does not see that as a direct result of the policy. However, we do not know how many applications we would have received within that area, but suspects not many more as he believes the area has reached saturation point.

·       Councillor Lynn asked if there is a reason why this zone exists in Wisbech and not throughout Fenland. Councillor Humphrey advised that there cannot be a blanket CIZ. The current area exists as a result of feedback from Wisbech residents after consultation.

·       Councillor Tanfield asked who we would consult with and over how big an area. Michelle Bishop confirmed that all consultations are publicised district-wide on social media and the Council website, in the four customer service centres and local press.

·       Councillor Tanfield wondered how a member of the public living outside of Wisbech could comment on what was happening there, and asked if they would have an opportunity to state if they felt such a zone was needed in their own town. Councillor Humphrey pointed out that the public are free to express such requests as part of their comments. Michelle Bishop added that it was actually the police who applied for the current CIZ as a tool to tackle street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour that they were experiencing in that specific area.

·       Councillor Meekins said that he found it difficult to believe that Wisbech is unique in terms of street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Michelle Bishop reiterated that Fenland only has the one CIZ in place as requested by the police as this had been deemed a ‘hotspot’ area and the evidence had been provided to show this to be necessary. Councillor Humphrey added that neither the police nor other responsible authorities have requested a CIZ be in place in any other town; however it does not mean that they do not have issues of street drinking and anti-social behaviour, which could  ...  view the full minutes text for item LIC5/19

For Members to approve the draft policy document for consultation with Responsible

Authorities and others.

Members considered the Review of Gambling Statement of Policy Document report presented by Michelle Bishop.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Tanfield commented that there was little change between this reviewed policy and the previous version.

·       Councillor Humphrey asked what constituted an unlicensed family entertainment centre. Michelle Bishop explained it was the terminology used for premises that used smaller categories of machines such as the ‘toy grab’ machines and were places where young children could be taken.

Members agreed to APPROVE:

·       The draft policy document under the Gambling Act 2005 as detailed within the report for a consultation period of no less than four weeks

·       That officers report back to Licensing Committee with the outcomes of the consideration to agree a final version to be referred to full council for adoption.