The Licensing Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Functions) of Brighton and Hove Council met on Thursday 20 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the Annual Report of the Licensing Authority, the future arrangements for Licensing Panel Hearings, and a review of premises licences by venue type and ward. Decisions were made on the adoption of new hearing arrangements and the approval of the Annual Report.

Annual Report of the Licensing Authority

The committee reviewed the Annual Report of the Licensing Authority 2023-24. The report highlighted the licensing activities over the past year, including the number of licences issued, compliance checks conducted, and enforcement actions taken. Councillors discussed the importance of maintaining high standards in licensing to ensure public safety and community well-being. The report was approved unanimously.

Future Licensing Panel Hearing Arrangements

The committee discussed the future arrangements for Licensing Panel Hearings. The proposal aimed to streamline the hearing process and improve efficiency. Key changes included the introduction of virtual hearings and a revised schedule to accommodate more cases. Arguments in favour of the changes highlighted the benefits of increased accessibility and reduced costs. The committee voted to adopt the new arrangements.

Review of Premises Licences by Venue Type and Ward

An analysis of premises licences by venue type and ward was presented in Appendix 1. The data provided insights into the distribution of licensed venues across Brighton and Hove, identifying areas with high concentrations of certain types of premises. Councillors discussed the implications for local communities and the need for targeted enforcement in areas with higher incidences of non-compliance. No specific decisions were made, but the information will inform future policy development.

Licence Applications Received

The committee reviewed the licence applications received between 01.04.23 to 31.03.24. The report detailed the number and types of applications, noting an increase in applications for outdoor events and temporary event notices. Councillors discussed the challenges of managing these applications, particularly in balancing community interests with the demand for cultural and social events.

Licensing Committee Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference for the Licensing Committee were reviewed and updated to reflect recent legislative changes and procedural improvements. The committee agreed on the importance of clear and comprehensive terms to guide their work effectively.