Hart Borough Council Licensing Committee Meeting

The minutes of 22 October 2024 were agreed and confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Proposed by: Cllr Butler; Seconded by: Cllr Farmer; Unanimously agreed

Apologies for absence had been received from Cllrs Thomas and Vernon

Cllr Dorn had sent apologies that he would be arriving late.

There were none.

The Chair announced:

• Christmas time enforcement visits went well with 12 establishments visited.  The “Ask Angela” campaign was discussed with all
• Visits arranged for Councillors to go out with Officers on licensing visits in February have all been filled
• There had been no comments on the fees and charges increases, so these would not be coming back to Committee
• There were no more policy reviews to come before Committee until 2026

It was suggested that, following some issues with licensed taxi trade operatives not abiding by the relevant rules, checks be made in the lead up to Christmas 2025.  It was confirmed that random checks were made earlier that day, and that further checks would be added to the night time plan for the Christmas period later in the year.

Cllrs Dorn and Harward arrived at 7.03 at the end of this item.

This report provided information required to make a decision to adopt the Sex Establishments Licensing Policy following completion of a public consultation exercise.

Members noted:

• There had been no representations or comments following the public consultation
• There had been no other amendments made by Officers
• That it was good practice to have an in-date policy, despite Hart not having any sex establishments

Decision

That the updated Sex Establishments Licensing Policy be adopted.

Proposed by Cllr Butler; Seconded by Cllr Clarke; Unanimously agreed