The Licensing Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to discuss the Licensing Service Delivery Plan for 2013/14, outlining proposed activities and reviewing the previous year's work. The committee was also to consider a list of approved health practitioners for special treatment establishments.

Licensing Service Delivery Plan 2013/14

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed Licensing Service Delivery Plan for 2013/14. This plan details how the Licensing Service aims to contribute to the Council's overall objectives, meet legislative requirements under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005, and provide an efficient and effective service. Key activities outlined in the plan include processing licence applications, investigating complaints, conducting enforcement visits, working with partner organisations to tackle alcohol misuse, and providing advice and education to businesses and residents.

The plan also highlights upcoming legislative changes, such as those stemming from the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and the Live Music Act 2012, and the potential deregulation of certain entertainment provisions. It notes the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, which will require scrap metal dealers to be licensed by the local authority. The plan details proposed enforcement priorities for 2013/14, focusing on problem areas, high-risk premises, unlicensed trading, and specific sectors like tattooists and body piercing establishments.

The report also reviewed the work undertaken in 2012/13, noting that the Licensing Act 2003 continued to be a significant focus. This included administering a large number of applications, collecting continuation fees, responding to complaints, and carrying out enforcement activities. The review highlighted an increase in premises offering tattooing and body piercing, which have been a source of complaints and potential health risks. The plan also mentioned the service's involvement in planning for large events such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics, ensuring public safety.

The committee was recommended to approve the Licensing Service Delivery Plan 2013/14 as it relates to their terms of reference.

Special Treatment Establishments – Approved Health Practitioners

The committee was also scheduled to approve the list of approved bodies of health practitioners whose members are granted exemption from the requirement to hold a special treatment licence under the London Local Authorities Act 1991. This exemption applies if treatments are carried out by or under the supervision of a member of a bona fide body of health practitioners that meets specific criteria regarding registration, training, insurance, codes of conduct, and disciplinary procedures. The list provided in Annex A details various organisations and the treatments their members are qualified to provide, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, Bowen therapy, ear piercing, manual lymphatic drainage, reflexology, shiatsu, sports massage, and trichology.

The Regulatory Licensing Committee was specifically asked to approve this list of approved health practitioners.

Service Standards for Issuing Licences

The committee was also to approve the proposed service standards for issuing licences, as set out in Annex B of the report. These standards outline target timescales for the determination and issuance of various licences and registrations under the Licensing Act 2003, the Gambling Act 2005, and the London Local Authorities Act 1991, covering areas such as premises licences, personal licences, temporary event notices, and special treatment licences.

The Regulatory Licensing Committee was recommended to approve these service standards.