Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies received.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

Councillor Smith declared a registerable interest in item 4 due to owning a commercial property on Market Street in Ashby.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 18 Sep 2024.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2024.

Councillor P Lees requested the following changes to minute number 6 as the mover and seconder had been recorded incorrectly:

‘It was moved by Councillor J Legrys Councillor P Lees, seconded by Councillor P Lees Councillor J Legrys and…’

It was moved by Councillor Legrys, seconded by Councillor Moult and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on the 18 September 2024 be approved as an accurate record of the proceedings with the amendment as detailed above

The report of the Environmental Health Team Manager

Prior to the presentation of the report, the chair introduced Andy Cooper, the previous Licensing Team Manager, to the Committee as the Interim Environmental Health Team Manager.

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to Members.

A discussion was held about the Cumulative Impact Zone, with some Members expressing concerns about a particular premises serving alcohol not included within this area due to historical incidents with the overconsumption of alcohol. In response, the Environmental Health Team Manager assured the Committee that these premises had been looked at historically and there had been no concerns, due to their nature and type. It was noted that the work involved in the Cumulative Impact Assessment included working with the police, fire service, consultees and Members and that none of these had expressed concerns.

It was suggested by the Environmental Health Team Manager that a motion could be proposed to include these premises into the Cumulative Impact Zone. They explained to the Committee that this would lead to delay and there being no Cumulative Impact Assessment in place, due to the timeline and the requirement that the assessment goes through Licensing Committee and full Council. They also felt it to be improper to make changes to the area without consulting the businesses affected.

Legal Advice was sought to clarify the implications. It was advised that consultation would be required, including community, police and premises involvement and representations. This would lead to a delay to the review.

The Environmental Health Team Manager added that if premises were to apply for a new licence or varied their existing licence and there were issues with crime and disorder, the responsible authorities including the Licensing Sub Committees would be involved with the process. Although concerned, Members recognised the importance of the Cumulative Impact Assessment and did not wish to delay it.

However, during a full discussion, further concerns were raised about the prevalence of crime in the area due to the consumption of alcohol and the Environmental Health Team Manager made assurances that there were thorough processes in place to monitor premises, including regular meetings with all external agencies to discuss the nighttime economy of Ashby. It was agreed for Councillor J Legrys and the Environmental Health Team Manager to have further discussions outside of the meeting, to discuss reviewing the prevalence of drunk and disorderly behaviour in Coalville and surrounding areas.

Further questions of clarity were asked and responses received.

The discussion ended with a Member expressing the importance of the positive aspects of the town’s nighttime economy. They expressed that they found it to be great, safe to take their family for meals and wanted to work to keep the market town lovely.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by M Ball and

RECOMENDED THAT:

At its meeting on 20 February 2025, Council agree to retain the Cumulative Impact Assessment subject to the times being amended in accordance with section seven of the report.