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Cardiff alcohol licence debates: Public safety vs. business?

This week in Cardiff:

Licensing Decisions Spark Debate Over Public Safety and Resident Concerns

Cardiff Council's Licensing Sub Committee convened this week to consider several applications for premises licences across the city, leading to discussions about balancing business interests with public safety and the concerns of local residents. You can view the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Queen Street Premier Faces Police Opposition

Hardi Ali Fatahi's application for a premises licence at Premier, 119 Queen Street to sell alcohol was met with strong objections from South Wales Police and the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer. Their concerns centered on the area's existing saturation of off-licences and the potential for increased crime and disorder.

  • South Wales Police cited Cardiff City Council's cumulative impact policy1, arguing that the area already experiences a disproportionate amount of crime.
  • The Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer highlighted that Queen Street consistently ranks among the top three locations for crime in Cardiff, despite having few pubs or bars.

24-Hour Alcohol Sales Proposed for Richards Street

Deccan Creators Ltd applied for a premises licence for Deccan Express, 123 Richards Street, seeking permission to sell alcohol 24/7. This proposal drew objections from South Wales Police, a local resident, and a local ward Councillor.

  • South Wales Police initially objected but indicated they would withdraw their objection if the applicant agreed to a number of conditions, including reduced hours for alcohol sales (07:00 to 02:00), the installation of a CCTV system, and staff training.
  • Other proposed conditions included a 'Challenge 25' policy2, restrictions on the display of alcohol, and a ban on the home delivery service of alcoholic beverages.

Spar Application in The Mill Raises Child Protection Concerns

A.F. Blakemore & Son Limited T/A Blakemore Retail applied for a premises licence for Spar, Units 2&3 The Mill, 220 B/C The Boulevard, seeking permission to sell alcohol. South Wales Police objected, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

  • South Wales Police stated that they had presented a number of conditions to the applicant which they deemed appropriate and proportionate to the premise in order to promote and uphold the licensing objectives, but that the applicant had only agreed to four of these conditions.
  • The conditions that South Wales Police sought to have implemented included the installation of a CCTV system, staff training, the operation of a 'Challenge 25' policy, and restrictions on the display of alcohol.

Community Cafe in Cathays Faces Noise Objections

Oliver Bennett applied for a premises licence for Dalton Yard, Dalton Street, seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. The application drew representations from South Wales Police, Pollution Control, local residents, and Councillors.

  • South Wales Police initially objected but indicated they would withdraw their objection if the applicant agreed to a number of conditions, including reduced hours for licensable activities (12:00 to 22:00) and a dispersal policy.
  • Pollution Control withdrew its objection after the applicant agreed to conditions relating to noise levels, waste collection, and deliveries.
  • Councillor Norma Mackie, along with Councillors Sarah Merry, Chris Weaver and Ali Ahmed, objected to the application on the grounds that it would not promote the Licensing Objectives, citing concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and disruption to residents.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

  1. A cumulative impact policy is used by licensing authorities to manage the number and types of licensed premises in a specific area. It allows the authority to restrict the granting of new licenses if there is evidence that the concentration of licensed premises is causing problems such as crime, disorder, or public nuisance. ↩

  2. The Challenge 25 policy encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry ID (such as a passport, driving licence or PASS card) if they want to buy alcohol. ↩

Cardiff Council: Repairs Failures, Budget Gap, and Visitor Levy

This week in Cardiff:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Repairs Backlog and Complaint Handling

Cardiff Council's Governance and Audit Committee convened this week, tackling critical issues surrounding the Adults, Housing and Communities directorate, including a damning Ombudsman report on the Responsive Repairs Unit (RRU) and a significant budget gap. You can view the meeting details here.

Ombudsman Report Exposes Catalogue of Failure in Repairs Service

A Public Services Ombudsman Wales investigation revealed a series of failures in the RRU, spanning from 2021 to 2024, a period marked by extreme pressure on the service. The investigation highlighted a case involving repeated failures to address a leak, leading to extensive damp and mould, and a failure to appropriately consider the tenant's health needs.

Cynghorydd Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, described the report as horrendous, citing a catalogue of failure, a catalogue of negligence that put a family's health at risk.

The Ombudsman's report detailed:

  • Repeated failures over four years to identify the source of a leak.
  • Incorrect categorization of damp, failing to recognize the health needs of the family.
  • Delays in carrying out repairs after the property was deemed unfit for human habitation.
  • Failure to address repeated requests for a temporary move.

Jane Thomas, Director of Adults, Housing and Communities, acknowledged the severity of the case, stating, We are extremely sorry about the complaints, and emphasizing the council's commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future. Thomas also noted that the council had already offered a full apology and made redress to the family before the Ombudsman's involvement.

The council is implementing a Repairs Improvement Plan, including:

  • Re-skilling complaints officers.
  • Weekly reviews of outstanding complaints.
  • A follow-up process to ensure commitments are fulfilled.
  • Improved quality monitoring of complaints.
  • Recruitment of additional complaints officers.

Financial Challenges Loom with £37 Million Budget Gap

The committee also discussed a financial update, revealing a projected £37.015 million budget gap for 2026/27. This gap is driven by increased costs in children's services and pressures in other areas.

Key factors contributing to the budget gap:

  • Increased external placements and care costs for children's services.
  • Estimated additional costs of £57.847 million for 2026/27.
  • Savings targets issued, with £22 million targeted and £18 million options identified to date.

Chris Lee, Director of Corporate Resources, noted that the council received a lower-than-average settlement from the Welsh government, further exacerbating the financial challenges.

National Fraud Initiative Uncovers Potential Discrepancies

The committee received an update from Audit Wales on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2024-25, a data-matching exercise designed to detect and prevent fraud. The NFI identified 33,223 data matches for Cardiff Council, with significant numbers in council tax single person discount, creditors, and blue badges.

Nicholas Rayner from Audit Wales explained that the NFI helps prevent and detect fraud by electronically sharing and matching data sets across public sector organizations.

Other Key Discussions

  • Adults, Housing and Communities Control Environment: The committee received an update on the directorate's control environment, including risk management, internal audits, and external assurance.
  • Audit and Investigation Team Progress: The committee reviewed the progress of the Internal Audit and Investigation Teams, including findings from audits of schools and other council services.
  • Treasury Management Mid-Year Report: The committee noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025/26, which provides an overview of the council's treasury management activities and investments.

Council Discusses Funding and Visitor Levy

Cardiff Council met to discuss a range of issues, including funding from the UK and Welsh governments, a proposed visitor levy, and the Replacement Local Development Plan. You can view the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Concerns Raised Over UK Government Funding for Wales

Cynghorydd Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, proposed a motion expressing concerns about the level of funding Cardiff Council receives from the Welsh government, which is dependent on the block grant from the UK government. The motion highlighted that the funding formula used by the UK government is outdated and fails to ensure that Wales receives a fair level of funding for public services.

Consultation Approved for Visitor Levy

The council approved a consultation on the introduction of a visitor levy, which would allow the council to raise funds for local tourism. The levy would be paid to the Welsh Revenue Authority and used to support the visitor economy in Wales.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Council Housing Policy Faces Criticism Over Vulnerable Residents

This week in Cardiff:

Council Faces Criticism for Housing Policy Impacting Vulnerable Residents

Cardiff Council's Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee recently convened to discuss winter planning for homelessness provision and support for those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) You can view the meeting details here. The discussions have brought to light concerns about the council's policies and their potential impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly rough sleepers.

Salvation Army Voices Concerns

Catherine Docherty, Area Operations Manager for The Salvation Army, expressed significant worry about the council's decision to only accommodate individuals with an active housing duty owed to them. In a written statement, she highlighted the potential risks to the mental and physical safety of rough sleepers without recourse or local connection, stating that the decision has:

caused significant worry for those sleeping out without recourse or local connection, and that the impact of this news has so far sparked disengagement from their staff and services.

Limited Support for NRPF Individuals

The committee heard that individuals with NRPF, a condition placed on certain individuals under UK immigration law, are not eligible for homelessness assistance or a housing allocation. While outreach services and other support are available, the lack of accommodation options raises concerns about the council's ability to protect this vulnerable population.

Council Defends its Approach

The council defended its approach, emphasizing its commitment to preventing homelessness and supporting private landlords. Officers highlighted the availability of new accommodation and partnerships with various organizations to provide support. However, the limited resources and the challenges in engaging with individuals who may not want assistance remain significant obstacles.

A Balancing Act: Duty of Care vs. Limited Resources

The discussions highlight the difficult balancing act the council faces in providing support to vulnerable individuals while managing limited resources and adhering to legal obligations. The concerns raised by The Salvation Army underscore the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind, especially during the harsh winter months.

Other Key Discussions

  • Direct Payments: The committee received an update on the progress of direct payment proposals, which aim to empower individuals by giving them more control over their care.
  • Performance Reports: The committee reviewed performance reports for Adult Social Services and Housing & Communities, highlighting both achievements and areas for improvement.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff debates anti-racism, air quality, and heritage protection

This week in Cardiff:

Council Grapples with Equality Strategy Amidst Concerns Over Disability Representation and Anti-Racism Efforts

Cardiff Council's Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee convened this week to dissect the council's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, sparking critical discussions on disability representation, sickness absence, and budget constraints. You can delve into the meeting details here.

EDI Strategy Under the Microscope

The committee scrutinized the council's annual progress report on its EDI Strategy, a document designed to ensure fairness and inclusion across all council services. While progress was noted in some areas, significant concerns were raised about the representation of disabled people in the workforce and the overall effectiveness of the strategy.

We know that for some group of the people experience greater inequality and face more significant barriers. This strategy is about supporting them by closing the inequality gap, removing the barrier, and promoting the good relations.

  • The council's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy sets out five strategic equality objectives:
    • Workforce representation
    • Pay equality
    • Inclusive services
    • Community cohesion
    • Leadership and accountability
  • The overall sickness absence rate for the council is 9.8 days per employee per year, higher than the average for other local authorities in Wales.
  • The council is facing significant financial challenges, due to increased demand for services, reduced funding from central government, and the rising cost of inflation.

Is Cardiff an Anti-Racist City?

A particularly contentious point arose from the strategy's stated ambition to become an anti-racist city. This prompted a debate about whether Cardiff was currently anti-racist and what the council's role should be in addressing racism.

The anti-racist city language, that is a direct response to the anti-racist strategy published by Welsh Government. So it's a, I would say that the use of that language within the city is a direct response to a named strategy of Welsh Government.

Sickness Absence and Budget Pressures

The committee also examined sickness absence trends within the council, revealing an overall rate of 9.8 days per employee per year, exceeding the Welsh local authority average. Discussions also touched on the council's budget for the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the significant financial challenges stemming from increased service demand, reduced government funding, and rising inflation.

Environmental Committee Eyes Air Quality and Heritage

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee addressed the Local Air Quality Annual Monitoring Report and the Local Heritage List, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and preservation of local heritage. You can explore the meeting details here.

Breathing Easier? Air Quality Improvements and Future Strategies

The committee reviewed the 2025 Local Air Quality Management Annual Progress Report, showcasing improvements in air quality across Cardiff. However, concerns remain about the ongoing impact of air pollution on public health.

  • Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, contributing to heart disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses and cancer.
  • In Cardiff and Vale, air pollution contributes to an estimated 178–227 deaths annually.
  • In 2024, all automatic and non-automatic monitoring sites in Cardiff met air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide.

Protecting Cardiff's Heritage: Local Heritage List

The committee discussed the Cardiff Local Heritage List, focusing on protecting and celebrating local buildings, especially pubs, community spaces, and music venues with working-class heritage.

  • The consultation took place between 24 July and 18 September 2024, and that 103 responses were received, 87 of which were supportive, 9 were neutral, and 7 were objections.
  • Five buildings received objections during the consultation, and that two buildings, the Tavistock Arms and the Railway Inn, were omitted after further assessment.
  • Three buildings, the Pantmawr Inn, The Roath Park, and Roath Conservative Club, were retained despite objections.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Howells Redevelopment Approved; Social Housing Gains

This week in Cardiff:

Howells Redevelopment Approved Amid Heritage Concerns

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to the redevelopment of the historic Howells department store, a decision that has sparked debate over balancing economic development with preserving the city's heritage. You can view the meeting details here.

Balancing Act: Benefits vs. Harm

The committee grappled with the complexities of the project, acknowledging the harm to the Grade II* listed building while weighing the substantial other benefits of the development.

Throughout the report, and I'll talk about it shortly, is it does identify harm. It does identify varying degrees of harm, from minor harm to moderate adverse harm and one degree of major adverse harm. And what we have to do through the planification is primarily consider the extent to which that degree of harm is or would or would not be outweighed by the substantial other benefits to be attributed to this development.

  • The redevelopment aims to deliver apartments, studio apartments, a hotel, and flexible commercial floorspace.
  • Concerns were raised about the scale and visual impact of the proposed tower, particularly its effect on the setting of St John's Church.
  • The committee ultimately voted to grant the application, subject to conditions and referral to CADW.

Material Concerns

Councillor Sean Driscoll questioned the red brickwork of the tower and its impact on the views of St John's Church, proposing a condition to seek alternative materials. Councillor Adrian Robson agreed that the red brick finish was unacceptable and requested the committee see the final finish before approval.

The committee voted to delegate the decision on the condition to officers in consultation with the chair.

Gaiety Theatre Demolition Approved for Social Housing

The committee also approved the demolition of the existing 'Gaiety' building and redevelopment for Housing Association apartments and ground floor commercial units.

  • Councillor Jon Shimmin noted it was a shame to lose such a building of character but that the social housing was desperately needed .
  • Councillor Garry Hunt lamented the loss of the art deco architecture .

Other Matters

  • The committee approved a new hotel on Queen Street, with Councillor John Lancaster praising the design as beautiful and in keeping with the buildings there .
  • The committee approved several stopping up orders, including one for John Street, which will transfer highway rights to a private owner.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee

Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee - Friday, 12th December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee is scheduled to meet remotely to discuss the Glamorgan Archivist's report, the proposed strategic plan, budget proposals, and fees and charges.

December 12, 2025
Environmental Scrutiny Committee

Environmental Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 4.30 pm

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 11 December 2025 to discuss a recycling update and a road user payment scheme update. The committee will also review the minutes of the previous meeting and consider any urgent items. The meeting will conclude with a discussion of the way forward and the date of the next meeting.

December 11, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 10.30 am

The Cardiff Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 11 December 2025 to discuss development management applications, including a proposal to change the use of the former Ibis Budget hotel on Tyndall Street and a proposal to vary conditions relating to a premises on Beulah Road in Rhiwbina. The committee will also look to approve the minutes of their previous meeting.

December 11, 2025
Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 4.30 pm

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on 10 December to discuss the council's mid-year performance, correspondence, and any urgent business. A key item for discussion is the mid-year wellbeing assessment for 2025/26, prior to its consideration by the cabinet. The committee will also review previous correspondence and plan for future activities.

December 10, 2025
Public Protection Sub Committee

Public Protection Sub Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Public Protection Sub Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss Hackney Carriage and Private Hire matters. The Agenda Frontsheet states that the meeting was held at County Hall. Some of the information relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire matters was considered confidential and exempt from publication.

December 10, 2025
Committee

Remote Teams, Appointment Committee - OM1 Legal Services (Property, Planning and Procurement ) and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Appointment Committee - OM1 Legal Services (Property, Planning and Procurement) and Deputy Monitoring Officer was scheduled to convene to address candidate shortlisting for a key position, and to confirm the minutes of their previous meeting. Councillor Chris Weaver, Chair of the Appointment Committee, and Councillors Jayne Cowan, Grace Ferguson-Thorne, Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, and Jon Shimmin were listed as the members of the committee. The meeting was scheduled to take place via Teams.

December 09, 2025
Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee

Remote Meeting Teams, Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 11.00 am

The Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss an update report and the 2025/26 month 6 monitoring position, as well as the projected outturn of the 2026/27 budget.

December 09, 2025
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee POSTPONED

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 4.30 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

December 09, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub Committee of Cardiff Council convened to consider an application for the review of a premises licence. The meeting also included an opportunity to raise urgent items.

December 09, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee

Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub Committee of Cardiff Council was scheduled to meet to consider applications for premises licences and discuss representations received in relation to those applications. Councillor Grace Ferguson-Thorne, Councillors Helen Gunter and Councillor John Lancaster (Leader of the Conservative Group) were the scheduled members of the committee. The committee was to consider applications for Dalton Yard, Deccan Express, Premier Queen Street, and Spar, The Mill.

December 03, 2025
Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee

Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 4.30 pm

December 15, 2025
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 4.30 pm, NEW

December 16, 2025
Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee

Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 4.30 pm

December 16, 2025
Unknown Committee

Appointment Committee - OM1 Legal Services (Property, Planning and Procurement ) and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 11.15 am

December 17, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 18th December, 2025 2.00 pm

December 18, 2025
Public Protection Sub Committee

Public Protection Sub Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 10.00 am

January 21, 2026