Agenda item

RESOLVED to note the content of the annual report and the level and scope of work being carried out in relation to Shop Fronts Licensing and Enforcement.

Daniel O’Sullivan introduced the report and highlighted the key issues.

Cllr Hanson welcomed the introduction of business premises being required to display their licences and noted that other boroughs had this requirement.  It was noted that some businesses owned the strip of land in front of the premises and she asked if there was any way of identifying those businesses.  Daniel O’Sullivan said he would explore this issue.

Cllr Snell asked where the figures in the report came from.  He also asked what consideration had been given to disability access and adequate pavement space. 

Daniel O’Sullivan said that a request for a licence triggered an officer visit to assess the available space and whether the licence applied for was appropriate.  If there was inadequate space, the licence would be denied.

Daniel O’Sullivan said that the figures were built on like for like from previous years so that the combination of temporary licences and permanent licences granted in any year or rescinded indicated the % increase in occupancy.

Cllr Fajana Thomas thanked officers for the report.  She asked at what point did the Council become concerned about balancing the desire to have tables and chairs on the pavement and access.

Daniel O’Sullivan said that officers looked at over saturation in any area.  There was particular concern from members regarding the use of planters to extend the licensed area.

Daniel O’Sullivan said that when planters were identified, officers measured the distance and ensured that they were brought back inside the licensed boundary.  The Market and Street Trading team was working on policies around all of these issues ready for consultation.  Officers were building strong links within the communities to ascertain what was wanted and what could be accommodated.

Cllr Stops expressed his satisfaction that the issue of tables and chairs on pavements was being taken seriously.  Pavements in Hackney had limited space and needed to be managed properly.  Some businesses owned the basements of the premises but not the public highway.  The Committee had previously approved a 1.2m minimum space standard although it would have preferred 2m.  In some areas there was no room to accommodate tables and chairs on the pavements. 

Cllrs Bell, Snell, Ozsen left the meeting to attend the Licensing Committee.

It was noted that many businesses were not in fact displaying their licences in the window and asked if the successful prosecutions could be publicised.  Daniel O’Sullivan extended an invitation to all committee members to accompany officers on an inspection.  It was also noted that extra resource was now in place which meant that enforcement of licence conditions could take place 7 days a week and beyond 6pm.  This had not been possible previously.

Cllr Ozsen asked via the Chair if clear information leaflets could be produced for businesses which set out the terms and conditions of licences.  Daniel O’Sullivan said that such a leaflet had been produced for market traders and was on the website and officers were working on something similar for shop front licences.

RESOLVED to note the content of the annual report and the level and scope of work being carried out in relation to Shop Fronts Licensing and Enforcement.