Purpose

Functions relating to sex establishments (and any related policy) are the responsibiity of the Licensing Committee. Legislation deems that the matter must not be a function of the Cabinet, and the Council's Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy does not need to be ultimately approved by the Full Council as it is neither a Policy Framework Document or one adopted as a Local Choice Function. It has come to light that, although reference to "sex establishments" is contained within the Licensing Functions of the Council's Constitution, reference to the approval of the Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy, is not explicitly made. Amending the functions to include it will rectify this matter and clarify the decision route.

Decision

1. That the third paragraph of Section 2 (Responsibilities of the Licensing Committee) be amended as follows: “All issues relating to Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles, and sexual entertainment venues (including approval of policy documents) are solely the responsibility of the Licensing Committee. 2. Add the following new responsibility under Section 3 (Decisions which will be taken by the Licensing Committee): “Approval of the Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy.” This change will take immediate effect. The Constitution will be amended when it is next updated.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - update the Constitution to clarify the current decision route Option 2 - leave the Constitution unchanged. Doing this would leave the position regarding the decision route unclear