The Chair presented a report of the Alcohol Scrutiny Panel Members upon progress of the Alcohol Scrutiny Review. He outlined the scope of the review, which would focus particularly on those issues that were within the direct responsibility of the Council. It was proposed that, due to the high profile and significance of excessive drinking among young people, the central focus of the review would be the “access to alcohol by young people in Wirral”.

It was planned to complete the final report for the Alcohol Scrutiny Review before the end of the municipal year and the Chair outlined the specific issues to be addressed and the methods to be used for gathering evidence.

Members considered also a response they had received from a local resident to the Alcohol Scrutiny Review, which also offered some general observations on the issue of alcohol in the Bidston area of Birkenhead. A number of Members expressed their disagreement with a number of points in the letter, particularly what they perceived to be attacks on Council officers in relation to licensing of off-licences and test sales of alcohol to young people under the age of 18. Other Members questioned the objectivity of the response, as the respondent appeared to be promoting the issue for party political purposes.

Resolved –

(1)  That the Scope for the Alcohol Scrutiny Review, set out in Appendix 1 to the report now submitted, be endorsed.

(2)  That the Panel Members be confirmed as Councillors Ann Bridson, Chris Meaden, Dave Mitchell and Sue Taylor.

(3)  That the response to the Review be noted.