Agenda and draft minutes

CONVENER

1.0       In the absence of Mark Hay the meeting was chaired by Mike Wynne, who welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Minute of meeting of the Local Licensing Forum of 24 February 2023 to be noted (copy attached)

2.0       Minute

The Minute of the meeting held on 24 January 2023 had been circulated.

DECISION

APPROVED the Minute.

3.0     LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICER – UPDATE

Licensing Standards and Enforcement Officer reported there had been a significant increase in occasional applications for Weddings in Old Castles, Farm buildings and Estate Gardens.  These were low risk as it was by invitation only.  Common Ridings were back to full strength and as these were historical events, some with out of policy hours applied for, and as they had previously been granted by the Licensing Board they were not referred to the Licensing Board again.  Susan Elliott raised a question, as to whether these should be reviewed. Licensing Standards Officer stated that if there had been issues/complaints/objections regarding these hours it would be put back to the Licensing Board, especially as a new Board was in place. At present there were no such issues. It was agreed to discuss further.

DECISION

AGREED to discuss further.   

4.0     ACTION PLAN UPDATE

          There had been circulated copies of the Local Licensing Forum Action Plan and although the actions were ongoing, progress continued.

          DECISION

          NOTED.

5.0     NEW MEMBER TRAINING PACK – UPDATE

          There had been circulated copies of the list of documents available to new Members and containing useful information such as the Policy Statement, Licencing Board Functions Report and Alcohol profiles.

          DECISION

          AGREED the following Actions

• Update webpage
• Members of the Licensing Forum to watch Licensing Board on line when possible

          DECISION

          NOTED.

6.0     ALCOHOL COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE

          It was reported that the Scottish Borders Licensing Board would be reassessing their Alcohol Licensing Policy Statement, which would be in force for five years.  A survey offering a chance to communities to influence the development of the policy would be available until 16 July 2023.   As the Licensing Forum had a role in identifying any key licensing issues and providing advice to the Licensing Board, it wanted to capture the views of the Community in a brief survey. 

          DECISION

          NOTED.

Licensing Board Minutes in respect of:-

·         31 March 2023

·         24 February 2023

(Copies attached.)

Note dates of future Meeting of Scottish Borders Licensing Board:-

28 April 2023

26 May 2023

23 June 2023

21 July 2023

18 August 2023

22 September 2023

20 October 2023

17 November 2023

15 December 2023

7.0       Scottish Borders Licensing Board Minutes

There had been circulated, for information, copies of the Scottish Borders Licensing Board Minutes of 24 February 2023 and 31 March 2023.  Mr Wynne advised that the Licensing Board meetings were now blended.    Members were encouraged to attend meetings of the Licensing Board as observers.  The dates of future Meetings were intimated as follows:-

28 April 2023

26 May 2023

23 June 2023

21 July 2023

18 August 2023

22 September 2023

20 October 2023

17 November 2023

15 December 2023

DECISION

NOTED.