The Committee is asked to agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 15 September 2020.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting hled on 15 September 2020 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance

The Committee received a report outlining appeals and prosecutions dealt with in the period 15 September 2020 and 7 April 2021.

RESOLVED -  That the information contained within the report be noted.

Verbal Update to be Presented

The Committee were provided with a verbal update with regards to the Hospitality business in Gateshead during the Covid pandemic.  The Committee were advised that the trade had been severely impacted in the pandemic.  The Licensing team have worked hard to support and advise businesses with regards to compliance.  Officers have only taken enforcement action as a last resort.

The Committee were advised that the legislation has been complex and ever changing and then in between lockdowns there was the Eat Out to Help Out campaign.  The Committee were informed that from the 12 April hospitality was allowed to open to serve food and drinks outside.  It is estimated that between 40 and 50% are open.  Prior to the 12 April lots of help and support was provided to help all establishments to open safely.  As a region some short snappy videos were developed to help.  The level of compliance within the Borough has been really high and officers have been delighted with the responsible attitude taken by businesses and customers.

There has had to be some enforcement action taken but overall compliance has been good.  Advice has been given on how to operate safely including having risk assessments in place, cleaning regimes, test and trace adequate ventilation and managing staff mental health and wellness.

The powers have worked very well and a successful notice of a £2000 non compliance fine was issued.  The next phase is for hospitality to open up fully on 17 May so officers are now targeting advice to those who will be opening up.

The thanks of the Committee was expressed to the team who had undertaken the work for their hard work and commitment during a difficult time.

RESOLVED -  That the information in the update be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Economy, Innovation and Growth

The Committee received a report outlining details of Licensing Sub Committee hearings heard between 4 September 2020 and 7 April 2021.

RESOLVED -  That the information contained within the report be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Economy Innovation and Growth

The Committee received a report outlining details of licences, notifications, permits and registrations issued under the Gambling Act 2005 between 4 September 2020 and 7 April 2021.

RESOLVED – That the information presented in the report be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Economy Innovation and Growth

The Committee received a report outlining the number of licences and certificates issued under delegated powers between 4 September 2020 and 7 April 2021.

RESOLVED -  That the information contained within the report be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Economy, Innovation and Growth

The Committee received a report outlining details of other applications and notifications processed under the Licensing Act 2003 between 4 September 2020 and 7 April 2021.

RESOLVED -  That the information contained within the report be noted.