Agenda and draft minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2025 (copy enclosed)

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2025.

Agreed;

That the minutes be signed as a correct record.

Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.

There were none.

To review responses to public consultation – (Report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed)

The Chairman introduced the Senior Licensing Officer to present the Licensing Act 2003 Draft Statement of Licensing Policy following public consultation.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report outlining the responses to public consultation on the proposed Licensing Act 2003 Draft Statement of Licensing Policy. The proposed amendments included updates to safeguarding, counterterrorism, visibility into licensed premises, and the inclusion of guidance on the Immigration Act 2016. Members were reminded that the Licensing Authority had a statutory duty to review and publish its Statement of Licensing Policy every five years, with the current review due by January 2026.

The Senior Licensing Officer confirmed that the Committee of the Licensing Authority had previously approved a draft policy at its meeting on 22 May 2025, which included proposed amendments and additional guidance.

• One such amendment was the inclusion of visibility requirements for retail premises under paragraph 4.2, aimed at supporting responsible authorities in monitoring compliance with licensing objectives.

Following an eight-week consultation period which commenced on the 2 June 2025, responses were received from Lincolnshire Police and the Policy Development Panel (PDP).

• The PDP had debated the proposed 50% window visibility guidance and recommended that no more than 30% of window space be obscured. As a result, revised wording was drafted to require at least 70% of windows facing into retail areas to remain clear of signage, decoration, or obstruction, thereby allowing a clear view inside the premises.

Lincolnshire Police submitted further comments, requesting:

• Inclusion of wording relating to the Immigration Act 2016, reflecting legal requirements around the right to work and the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises.
• Development of a pool of model conditions to assist applicants in promoting licensing objectives.
  • The Licensing Officer advised that this pool of model conditions would be published as a stand-alone document to allow for updates without requiring a full policy review.
• An increase in the window visibility requirement to 75% unobscured, which would also be reflected in the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) section of the policy.
• A recommendation that premises within the PSPO area selling alcohol for consumption off the premises consider affixing waterproof labels to cans and bottles, detailing the name and address of the premises.

Members discussed the practicality and enforceability of these proposals.

• It was noted that while the visibility guidance could not be retrospectively applied, it could be conditioned on new applications or licence reviews.
• Members acknowledged that the revised visibility requirement would support enforcement and promote public safety, particularly in areas of concern.

Concerns were raised regarding the burden on smaller businesses, particularly in relation to waterproof labelling. Members debated whether such measures should apply universally, including to supermarkets, and considered the balance between promoting licensing objectives and placing undue pressure on retailers.

The Committee also considered the Police’s request to strengthen the policy’s stance on criminal activity.

• It was agreed that the policy should include a statement under section 9.3 confirming that the Licensing Authority would take a serious view of criminal activity and consider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

NOTE:            No other business is permitted unless by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the minutes, the Chairman is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency. 

It was noted that members of the Licensing Committee were required to attend annual refresher training in order to remain eligible to sit on licensing panels.

• The Senior Licensing Officer confirmed that two sessions had been arranged. For those unable to attend in person, the Senior Licensing Officer agreed that a remote session via Microsoft Teams would be made available to ensure all members could participate.

(The meeting ended at 7.05pm)

(End of minutes)