The Licensing Committee of Bexley Council met on Thursday, 18 January 2024, to discuss a range of licensing matters. Key decisions included the proposed increase in various licensing fees and charges, and the retention of saturation policies in Bexleyheath and Welling town centres.

Fees and Charges

The committee agreed to increase discretionary fees and charges for various licences by 6% from 1 April 2024, in line with the Council's Charging Policy and Mid-Term Financial Strategy. This uplift also applies to animal licensing fees, which have been revised to reflect changes in processes and procedures following a cost recovery exercise. Statutory fees, set by Central Government, remain unchanged.

For street trading and highways licences, a variable percentage uplift was agreed in line with the Council's Charging Policy. This includes an increase in the daily charge for street trading pitches to £29 in Bexleyheath Broadway and £23 elsewhere in the borough. A new charge of £160 per day will also be introduced for larger markets to cover additional street cleansing and litter bin emptying costs.

Licensing Act 2003 - Cumulative Impact - Review of Saturation Policies

The committee decided to retain the saturation policies for Bexleyheath Town Centre and Welling Town Centre, as evidence suggests that the concentration of licensed premises in these areas continues to undermine the licensing objectives. The review found no evidence to support the introduction of saturation policies in other areas of the borough. Following this decision, the council will consult on proposed revisions to its Statement of Licensing Policy regarding cumulative impact. The consultation period will run from 29 January 2024 to 21 April 2024, with the new policies expected to be effective from 1 August 2024.

Licences Determined Under Delegated Authority

The committee received a report summarising licences granted under delegated authority between 1 October 2023 and 31 December 2023. This included four new premises licences, one full variation of an existing licence, and fourteen minor variations. The report also detailed thirty applications to change the name of a designated premises supervisor and eleven applications to transfer a licence. No licences were refused or revoked under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 during this period.

Approved Minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee

The committee was informed of the approved minutes from a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on 9 June 2023, where an application for the variation of a Premises Licence for Jordan Food and Wine was refused. Additionally, a summary was provided of a further hearing concerning a review of the Premises Licence for Jordans Food and Wine, the minutes of which are awaiting sign-off.

Licensing Enforcement Update

An update was provided on recent enforcement activities by the Licensing Enforcement Officer and Bexley Police Licensing Officer since June 2023. Details of Trading Standards activity were also presented.

Fees and Charges - Environmental Services and Highways, Traffic & Infrastructure Services

This report detailed proposed increases to discretionary fees and charges for street trading and highways licences. The proposed increases aim to recover the full cost of providing these services, in line with the Council's Charging Policy.

Fees and Charges

This report outlined proposed increases to discretionary fees and charges for various licences administered by the Licensing Committee. The recommendations included a 6% uplift for most licences, with revised fees for animal licensing to reflect a cost recovery exercise. Statutory fees, set by Central Government, remain unchanged.