The Licensing Committee of Surrey Heath Council met on 12 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the cessation of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for Camberley, updates on pavement licences, and the annual review of the Licensing and Environmental Health teams' work.

Cumulative Impact Assessment Response to Consultation

The Committee reviewed the public consultation responses regarding the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for Camberley. The CIA, part of the Licensing Policy approved on 7 April 2021, was initially established following police evidence of alcohol-related crimes in Camberley town centre. The statutory three-year review included an extensive public consultation, but only six responses were received, and no further evidence supporting the retention of the CIA was provided by the police.

Officers recommended ending the CIA, noting that future applications would be assessed on their own merits and must demonstrate no adverse impact on licensing objectives. The Committee resolved to publish a statement confirming the cessation of the CIA from 6 April 2024, citing a lack of evidence and reduced alcohol-related crime in the town centre.

Pavement Licence Update

The Committee discussed the impact of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 on pavement licences, making the temporary provisions introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic permanent. Officers proposed setting fees for new applications at £500 and renewals at £350, with the licence duration increased from one year to two years. The Committee approved these changes, effective from 1 October 2024.

Councillor Mark Gordon declared a potential conflict of interest, noting that a business opposite his own had been granted a pavement licence, affecting his trade.

Licensing and Environmental Health Team Annual Verbal Update

The Committee received an annual update on the work of the Licensing and Environmental Health teams. Key activities included multi-agency enforcement initiatives targeting non-compliance with taxi licensing and underage alcohol sales, and a review of the Cumulative Impact Assessment and Pavement Licence.

The Food Safety team reported that 97.5% of the 700 food businesses in the borough held a 'satisfactory' rating or higher. Notable actions included the voluntary closure of a business in Windlesham due to a mouse infestation and the emergency closure and subsequent prosecution of a restaurant in Bagshot for food hygiene offences.

The Environmental Health team highlighted their work on air quality monitoring, noise complaints, and pest control. A portable air quality monitor was purchased following a successful Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) grant application.

A question was raised about 'dark kitchens' operating outside the borough but delivering food into Surrey Heath. It was confirmed that these premises would be the responsibility of their respective local authorities, but any complaints would be taken seriously.

Licensing Sub Committee Minutes

The minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee meeting held on 4 July 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

Licensing Act 2003 - Summary of Decisions

The Committee reviewed decisions taken under delegated powers for licence applications where no representations were received. It was clarified that licences related to alcohol consumption do not apply to premises selling methanol in hardware stores, and the storage of flammable liquids is not assessed by the Committee.

Work Programme

Members noted the work programme for the upcoming year.

For more details, you can refer to the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 7 February 2024 and the minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee meeting held on 7 May 2024.