Agenda and minutes

The Vice Convener welcomed all those in attendance. The members were advised that Neil Grant, Police Scotland would be replacing Gillian Flett, Police Scotland from the 10February as Licensing Sargent. Ewan Mclean, Aberdeen Evening & Night-Time Economy Manager, Aberdeen Inspired was welcomed to the Forum meeting.

The Clerk advised that apologies for absence had been intimated by Louise Grant, Diane Sande, Jonathan Smith and William Rae.

The first order of business was to elect a new Convener .  The members were advised that the Local Licensing Forum Constitution required annual appointment of Office Bearers. The Clerk sought nominations for the positions of Convener and Vice Convener.

John Mooney nominated Elaine Mottram for Convener.  Elaine Mottram accepted the nomination and there being no further nominations forthcoming, Elaine Mottram was duly appointed to serve as Convener.

Elaine Mottram nominated John Mooney and William Rae as joint Vice-Conveners. As William Rae was not in attendance, the Clerk would write to him and confirm or otherwise his acceptance of the joint Vice-Convener appointment. John Mooney accepted the nomination and there being no further nominations forthcoming, John Mooney was duly appointed to serve as joint Vice-Convener and William Rae, would be duly appointed on acceptance.

The members were advised that Shamini Omnes, Susan Dunn, Neil Campbell and Johnathan Smith had initiated resignation from the Forum, the members noted the resignation and gave thanks.

The members gave special thanks to Finlay Cran as Convener, in what was recognised as a particularly difficult year.

The Forum welcomed, Ewan Mclean, Evening & Night-Time Economy Manager, Aberdeen Inspired, Stephen Stewart, LSO, ACC, Andy Scott and Neil Grant, Police Scotland to the Forum.

The Convener clarified her position as a Community Representative on the Forum.

The Forum had before it a report from the Clerk which detailed the proposed Local Licensing Forum 2022 dates. The Forum discussed the return of face-face meetings in the Town House, remote meetings via MS Teams remained the preference with the development sessions to be held inperson.

Members had the opportunity to raise any issues of competent business.

During discussion, the following was noted:-

Community Engagement – An update on the joint work to identify and implement ways of increasing engagement with the community and Community Councils and other Local licensing Forum members in relation to licensing matters was provided. The Convener notified the Forum that there had been engagement with Karen Finch, Community Council Liaison Officer. The proposals for further developing engagement with community councils was to be circulated to the Forum for their input.

Annual Functions Report – An update on the development of the Annual Functions Report was provided. The Convener notified the Forum that there had been discussion with Aidan Collins, Senior Coordinator, Alcohol Focus Scotland, and this would be an area for further progress within the year.

Licensing Board 2022 – Sandy Munro provided an update to the Forum in relation to the forthcoming Local Government Election in May, and the formation of a new Licensing Board. It was anticipated that the Board would look for the Forum to be involved with the Policy Statement review and the consultation process.

LLF Recruitment - A membership review and recruitment were discussed to ensure full membership participation. Youth participation was discussed, members were encouraged to promote the Local Licensing Forum through their respective contacts. The Convener proposed for The Aberdeen Local Licensing Forum Who We Are, What We Do and How We Do It?  to be circulated to allow members to share.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Tuesday 29 March 2022.