Dundee Licensing Forum - 27/03/2018

At a MEETING of the DUNDEE LOCAL LICENSING FORUM held at Dundee on 27th March, 2018.

Present:-

Sandy KINGSTON, in the Chair.

I APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were intimated from Jonathan Stewart, Councillor John Alexander, Councillor Georgia Cruickshank, Craig Somers, David Glass and Kathryn Baker.

II RE-ELECTION OF CHAIR OF FORUM

Under the terms of the constitution it was noted that the Chair had to be re-appointed at the start of each calendar year. Members agreed that Sandy Kingston be re-elected as Chairperson.

III ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR

The Chair intimated that for the more effective operation of the Forum, he was proposing that a Vice-Chair be appointed. Members agreed this proposal, and further agreed that any nominations be forwarded to the Chair/Secretary prior to the next meeting.

Thanks were also extended to Blair Finlay for his assistance, in particular for taking the Chair in previous meetings.

IV MINUTE OF MEETING OF DUNDEE LICENSING FORUM OF 14TH DECEMBER, 2017

The minute of the above-mentioned meeting was submitted and approved.

V MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising which were not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

VI COMPOSITION OF THE FORUM

Reference was made to the Constitution of the Forum, in particular its Membership. It was noted that it would be useful to have better community/youth representation on the Forum. In this regard Caroline Goodliffe from DUSA had been invited to attend the meeting, which was welcomed by members. It was agreed that there was scope for an increased membership, in particular for the above-mentioned sectors, and that Natalia Comerford of the ADP and also LCP Chairs be contacted to establish if she could assist with progressing this. Yvonne Tosh also advised that she would raise this at Community meetings attended by herself. It was further agreed that the promotion of the Forum using Dundee City Council social media be explored.

The Chair advised that he would establish membership/quorum details of the Forum with the assistance of the secretary, noting that the Forum was a statutory body who had a duty to meet at least four times per year.

VII NATIONAL ALCOHOL UPDATE

Simon Goulding gave an update on the Minimum Unit Pricing, raising concerns that a lack of guidance for licensees would be problematic.

Members agree it was vital to ensure all requirements of law were being met, and that contact be made with the Chair of the Licensing Committee and Board to establish actions being taken on a local basis.

VIII OVERPROVISION POLICY UPDATE

Correspondence had been sent to the Chair of the Licensing Board however no reply had been received to date.

Concern was raised regarding potential loopholes for the Challenge 25 campaign, and how there appeared to be little scope to resolve this.

IX INFORMATION SHARING

It was agreed to keep this issue on the agenda as a standing item.

X SINGLE USE PLASTIC

A query had been raised with the Head of Democratic and Legal Services regarding single use plastic and whether it would be competent/appropriate for the Licensing Board to address this issue.

It was considered that the Licensing Board were not the appropriate Body to address this formally and that instead the Forum could raise this and establish steps being taken on this issue by the licensed trade.

Discussion followed, with the Forum agreeing that a community based approach would help to highlight the issue. Contact would be made with Neighbourhood Services also to see if the Forum could participate in any campaigns regarding this issue.

XI AOCB

(i) DUNCAN RED/YELLOW CARD SCHEME

Clarity was to be sought from the Duncan Team regarding the operation of this scheme and how consistency was being applied.

(ii) TRAINING

The Establishment Training Programmes for refresher training and regulations pertaining to this to be investigated and an update given at the next meeting.

(iii) BOARD/FORUM MEETING

A joint Licensing Board/Forum meeting was to be arranged for September, 2018.

(iv) PERTH & KINROSS LOCAL LICENSING FORUM

The Chair had provided assistance and support to Perth & Kinross Local Licensing Forum.

XII DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, 12th June, 2018 at 2.00 pm.