Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing and Safety

RESOLVED THAT

1. the initial consultation feedback received outlined under paragraph 5 be noted;
2. the proposed changes to the policy at Appendix 3 resulting from the initial consultation be noted; and
3. further consultation on the specific issue outlined at paragraph 7.3 of the report be approved and that a further report be brought back to Cabinet outlining feedback received.

The Cabinet Member Housing and Safety introduced the report which asked Members to consider feedback from the consultation on the Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy. He reminded Members that during the consultation an application had been received for a sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence which was then granted by Licensing Committee on 7 February, after the end of the policy consultation period. This application had generated significant local opposition and in this context it was proposed that further consultation should be undertaken as to whether the Council should limit the number of SEVs permitted in the Borough.

Concerns were raised by members about the policy and they believed that it was essential to undertake further consultation in terms of limiting the number of SEVs in the Borough. Whilst the Council could not explicitly take a moral stand on the matter, it had to be mindful of the impact such venues have on the community and the reputation of the town. The views of the community should be taken seriously and the consultation should be widely publicised and well managed. One member believed that there was limited demand for such venues in the town which was mainly focused on the March race week, and should therefore be taken in proportion.

The Leader of the Council highlighted that whilst Cabinet would receive a report on feedback to the consultation, the decision on policy lay with Council.

RESOLVED THAT

1. the initial consultation feedback received outlined under paragraph 5 be noted;
2. the proposed changes to the policy at Appendix 3 resulting from the initial consultation be noted; and
3. further consultation on the specific issue outlined at paragraph 7.3 of the report be approved and that a further report be brought back to Cabinet outlining feedback received.