Issue - meetings

To consider the Notice of Motion in relation to safe night-time travel for workers.

The Committee considered a report in response to a Notice of Motion put to full Council in October 2022. The motion, which had been proposed by Cllr Laura Smith and seconded by Cllr Sally Handley, proposed a number of actions to improve night-time travel for workers.

Cllr Bratherton, who addressed the Committee on behalf of Cllr Handley, asked what powers the Council had, if any, which would allow the Licensing Committee to include additional criteria when considering applications. It was requested that consideration was given to establishing a Working Group to look at this area of work.

Officers referred to the Statement of Licensing Policy which provided guidance for applicants and information relating to expectations under legislation. The Licensing Act restricted what could be taken into consideration. It was noted that Cheshire East was bound by case law that identified what could be included in the Statement of Licensing Policy. It was highlighted that, should any additional requirements be included in the policy that were wider than the Council’s powers as the Licensing Authority, the policy would be deemed unlawful and decisions made under the policy would be subject to challenge.

Officers undertook to provide a written response to the questions raised by Cllr Handley.

RESOLVED (by majority):

That the Environment and Communities Committee:

1.    Note the national and local policy and guidance in relation to licensing late night refreshment and the taxi and private hire vehicle regime.

2.    Note the planned review of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy during 2023.