The Women and Girls Committee met to discuss the Post-16 Education Strategy and the draft Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. Councillors were asked to note the contents of a presentation on the Post-16 Education Strategy and to provide comment on the local landscape for women and girls. The committee was also asked to note the public consultation on the draft Licensing Policy for 2026-2031 and to provide responses.

Draft Licensing Policy

The committee discussed the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026 - 2031, on which the council is holding a public consultation. The policy outlines the framework for regulating licensable activities under the Licensing Act 2003, including the sale and supply of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The policy is reviewed every five years and serves as a guide for applicants, licence holders, responsible authorities, and the public.

The policy is underpinned by four statutory objectives:

• Prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• Prevention of public nuisance
• Protection of children from harm

The council aims to balance the needs of businesses with the rights of residents to a safe and peaceful environment. The council collaborates with Northumbria Police, Public Health, and other responsible authorities to ensure effective enforcement and compliance.

The draft policy includes a schedule of proposed changes. These include:

• An update to include reference to Gateshead Council's Corporate Plan 2025 – 2030 and Safer Gateshead Partnership Plan 2024 - 2026
• Updated information and data on population, crime, anti-social behaviour, public health and local licensing guidance

• An update to include current policies and guidance, expand on the relevant integrated legislation, and update information of local PSPOs¹

• A rewording of the current section on takeaways to reflect that the council considers that it will be inappropriate to grant a premises licence permitting the sale of alcohol at premises which are principally used for selling hot food for consumption off the premises

• The reinstatement of a link to Mandatory Condition guidance

• Updated contact details

• A paragraph to clarify that a full variation process is required if changes substantially vary the premises to which the licence relates.

The policy also includes reference to guidance added to address the growing concern of drink spiking. Licensing authorities are encouraged to consider measures to prevent spiking as part of the licensing objectives, particularly under public safety and prevention of crime and disorder including staff training, anti-spiking devices (e.g. drink covers) and clear incident reporting procedures

The policy should be amended to include the following with regards to Martyn's Law:

1. Applies to licensed premises where 200+ people may be present (standard tier) or 800+ (enhanced tier).
2. Requires venues to conduct risk assessments.
3. Implement emergency procedures (e.g. evacuation, lockdown).
4. Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The policy should encourage or require applicants to demonstrate compliance or preparedness for Martyn's Law where applicable.

The policy also encourages or mandates participation in the Ask for Angela initiative, a national safety campaign aimed at helping people who feel unsafe or vulnerable in licensed venues, especially in nightlife settings, supporting the protection of children from harm and public safety licensing objectives. It encourages staff training to recognize and respond to vulnerability, display of campaign materials in venues and clear reporting and intervention protocols.

The policy review will ensure that the policy reflects duties under the Children Act 2004 and Care Act 2014 including safeguarding protocols for children and vulnerable adults, especially in late-night venues

The consultation period ends on 15 September 2025.

Women and Girls in Post-16 Education

The committee received an update on post-16 education in Gateshead in relation to women and girls and how the Post-16 Strategy will address some of the key concerns or issues.

A post-16 strategy is being developed to help focus future delivery of post-16 across the borough. The aim of the strategy is to increase participation in lifelong learning, create better opportunities for residents to enter work, improve health and wellbeing through participation in learning, and provide insight into local and regional educational needs.

Priority areas identified are:

• Ensuring young people and adults have the right support to access and be successful in their learning
• Helping our most vulnerable residents are prepared for the world of work and there are inclusive employment opportunities available to them
• Ensure there are opportunities for residents to improve their mental and physical well-being through learning
• Providing a joined-up curriculum that is easy for residents to navigate and understand that is available at all levels and includes formal and non-formal learning

Councillors will receive a presentation providing more detail in relation to the strategy and delivery plan before public consultation begins in October 2025. The presentation will include some local data on participation rates in apprenticeships, education and training (non-apprenticeship qualifications) and community learning.

Work Programme

The committee noted and commented on the work programme.