Members of the Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Councillor Niblock declared a non pecuniary interest in respect of item 4, Draft Statement of Licensing Policy by virtue of being a Member of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, Chair of New Ferry Village Hall and an organiser of the Farmers Market.

Councillor Roberts declared a non pecuniary interest in respect of item 4, Draft Statement of Licensing Policy by virtue of being a Member of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2014.

Resolved – That the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2014 be approved.

Mr M Latham, Co-ordinator for Wirral Street Pastors attended the meeting and provided Members with a verbal presentation.

Mr Latham outlined the role of Street Pastors in Wirral.  He advised that they worked in conjunction with Merseyside Police, the NHS and the Local Authority and that the organisation had been set up a number of years ago. He provided Members with details regarding their organisation.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Latham clarified that the Street Pastors were a Christian organisation.  He advised that they wore a uniform in order that they were identifiable and that members were volunteers who paid to undertake this voluntary work and were highly trained.  He gave examples of the work and duties they undertook.

Councillor Williams commended the work of the Street Pastors and congratulated them on the work they had carried out so far.

Members of the Committee reiterated these comments and the Chair thanked Mr Latham for his presentation.

Councillor Niblock declared a non pecuniary interest in this matter (minute 9 refers).

Councillor Roberts declared a non pecuniary interest in this matter (minute 9 refers).

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment submitted a report seeking Members’ approval of the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy in order that it may be presented to Council for approval.

The Licensing Manager reported that the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy had been subject to two reviews since its first publication in January 2005 and the most recent policy had been published in December 2010.

Members were advised that it is a requirement of the Licensing Act 2003 that the Licensing Policy be reviewed at least every five years and that it was appropriate that the current policy be reviewed and updated due to changes to the Licensing Act 2003.  The Draft Statement of Licensing Policy was attached to the report which incorporated the changes to the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were informed that one response had been received from a Licensing Consultant which was supportive of the Policy.

Councillor Niblock outlined a number of amendments he wished to be incorporated into the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy prior to it being approved as a draft to be considered by Council.

Resolved – That, subject to the amendments proposed by Councillor Niblock, the Draft Statement of Licensing Policy be approved as a Draft to be considered by Council for approval as the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

At its meeting held on 27 January 2014, Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee considered a report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment on the cumulative impact of a concentration of licensed premises.

The Committee had noted the report and agreed that the comments of Members be referred to the Licensing Act Committee for consideration

The minute and report are attached.

The Licensing Manager reported that at its meeting held on 27 January 2014, the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee had considered a report relating to when it may be appropriate for the Council to adopt a Cumulative Impact Policy in respect of licensed premises under the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were advised that the Committee had noted the report and agreed that the comments of Members be referred to the Licensing Act 2003 Committee for consideration.

Resolved – That the comments of Members of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee be noted.