Agenda and minutes

The Forum had before it the minute of the meeting held on 9 September 2010.

An update was provided to item 12.  The Forum were advised that no visit took place from an MSP, but organising members were present.  “How Much Do I Drink?”, a confidential drinks diary, was launched during Alcohol Awareness Week.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the relevant updates and approve the minute.

The Chairperson asked if the representatives present had any statistical information they wished to share with the Forum.

Inspector John Soutar notified the Forum that he was in a position to provide certain statistical information to the Forum if it was made clear what they were looking for.

Items highlighted by the Forum included:

• Incidents in city centre within or outwith licensed premises.
• Trends / changes for example, new licences granted.
• Number of serious assaults / reviews.
• Information on designated places within the city centre.

Mark Donlevy of UNIGHT provided an update to the Forum.  He advised that they had recently contacted both universities to invite representatives to the Group.  He also advised that Cocaine Awareness Week was imminent and that they would be working alongside the Crime Prevention Unit and taxi trade over the festive period.  UNIGHT have a joint meeting with the Licensing Board on 24 November to discuss members’ issues and concerns.  He also advised the Forum of the ongoing list of members of the public who are banned from all UNIGHT premises.  Currently there are fifteen individuals on the list, with thirteen bans expiring in October.  The scheme is seen to be effective.  The membership of UNIGHT was then discussed.  Issues raised include irresponsible promotions by non members undercutting members’ prices meaning it appears more profitable to not be a member, perceived image of no action by Licensing Board sending wrong signal to premises, and the precedent of deemed acceptable operating standards.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the relevant updates.

The Forum had before it the workplan of the Local Licensing Forum.  The Convener went through each issue on the workplan and updates were noted.

The Forum resolved:-

(i)         for the Clerk to update the workplan as agreed; and

(ii)        to note the relevant updates.

The Forum had before it a list of decisions of the Licensing Board in respect of licenses which had been granted over the last period.  Questions were once again raised as to whether there was scope for the Forum to receive further information.  The Clerk advised that the Licensing Board published their agendas and minutes on the Aberdeen City Council website, www.aberdeencity.gov.uk.  The Forum agreed to include these public documents in the Forum’s agenda next time.

The Forum resolved:-

to include the most recent agenda and minute of the Licensing Board in the agenda for the next Forum meeting for information.

This item was withdrawn due to apologies from the Licensing Standards Officer.

The Forum had before it a list of proposed meeting dates and times for 2011 for approval.

The Forum resolved:-

to agree the proposed meeting dates and times.

The Forum had before it a copy of the Constitution with proposed changes highlighted.  It was advised that the changes were mainly administrative in function.

The Forum resolved:-

to agree the proposed changes.

With reference to item 11 of the minute of the meeting of the Forum of
9 September, 2010, the Forum had before it a report highlighting what kind of information was available with regards to the work that other licensing forums are undertaking.  It was noted that Moray Council operate an online discussion forum for licensing issues.  The Forum felt it may be worthwhile considering whether our Licensing Board should be operating a similar system.  The Clerk advised the Forum that Aberdeenshire Council had been in discussion with Linda Bowie of Alcohol Focus Scotland regarding sharing information.  Subsequently, they are currently investigating the possibility of having all of the different Scottish forums’ agendas available on the local licensing forum site.  It was advised, however, that this was still in the early stages of discussion.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the update and information given.

With reference to item 12 of the minute of the meeting of the Forum of
9 September, 2010, the Forum had before it a copy of the letter issued on behalf of the Forum to Aberdeen’s local MSPs supporting the proposal for minimum pricing on units of alcohol.  Also attached were copies of the responses received.

The Alcohol (Scotland) Bill was passed on 10 November, 2010, without plans to bring in minimum drink pricing.  The Forum expressed general disappointment at this.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the information given.

The Forum had before it a copy of the Safer Aberdeen Forum Action Plan, produced by the Safer Aberdeen Forum.  This report, along with the minutes from the most recent Safer Aberdeen Forum meeting were initially issued at the Licensing Forum’s meeting of 9 September, 2010, but had been received too late to be officially part of the agenda.  Subsequently, it has been placed on this agenda so the Forum can officially note the proposed Action Plan.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the information given.

The Forum were reminded that there was a joint meeting with the Licensing Board scheduled for 1 December, 2010 and asked if there were any issues they would wish to discuss.

Items which the Forum highlighted included:

• Addressing the five licensing policies.
• Number of review hearings.
• Prevention of violent behaviour.
• Criteria used in determining licenses.
• Statistical information.
• Understanding of night time economy.

The Clerk agreed to discuss these items with the Deputy Clerk to the Licensing Board for inclusion on the agenda.

The Forum resolved:-

to allow the Clerk to discuss the highlighted issues with the Deputy Clerk to the Licensing Board with a view to compiling an agenda for the joint meeting scheduled for 1 December, 2010.

The Forum were advised that Alcohol Awareness Week had taken place in October and the online drinks diary, “How Much Do I Drink?”, had been launched.  Sandy Kelman advised the Forum that Fraser Hoggan (Alcohol and Drugs Partnership) would be able to talk them through the ADP strategy and campaign.  To facilitate this, it was decided that the next meeting of the Forum should be held at Summerfield House.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the update and to schedule the next meeting to take place at Summerfield House.

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Forum would be held on Thursday, 25 February, 2011.

-  ALLAN MCINTOSH, Convener.