Agenda and draft minutes

The joint meeting was to be chaired by the Licensing Board on this occasion, having been chaired by the Licensing Forum Convener at previous meeting. In the circumstances, Cllr Boulton,  Convener of the Licensing Board took the chair.

Alexander Munro, Depute Clerk to the Board provided the Board Update and discussed briefly the progress of the new policy. The members of the Local Licensing Forum and Licensing Board also heard from Alexander Munro that consultations on the policy had been made extensively before the policy had been put in place.  

The members of the LLF and LB heard from Shamini Omnes, that recommendations have been acknowledged on how the Forum should operate. Shamini Omnes also emphasised the need for members to fully understand the purpose and aim of the Forum.  

Shamini Omnes, Convener of the Licensing Forum, commented that the discussions at the previous Licensing Conference have been very helpful. It was agreed that there will be continued discussion between the Board and the Forum for date the next Licensing Conference will be held in January 2020. A working group will also be established between the Board and the Forum in this regard. 

The theme of the agenda for the conference will be the Licensing Objectives. 

An update was received from Police Scotland regarding the recent progress on their commitment in supporting the Licensing objectives 

Councillor Boulton, Convener discussed the needs to stream line Board meetings to focus on contentious applications and for applicants to provide reasons to justify being granted extended hours. Cllr Boulton also commended the Police annual report and their efforts during the short time the policy has been in place.  

The collaboration between the Board and the Forum regarding licensing matters was welcomed however it was reiterated that the Board had to be independent. Discussion were made to review the frequency of the meeting between the Board and the Forum and it was agreed that the meeting should be held annually.