An apology for absence was received from Councillor Hinder.

There were no Substitute Members.

There were no Visiting Members.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

Councillor Naghi declared he had been lobbied with regard to Item 10 – Street Trading Applications for Multiple Sites.

RESOLVED: That the items on Part II of the Agenda be taken in private as proposed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 August 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed.

The Committee considered the report of the Democratic Services Manager some outstanding issues that had been raised by the Hackney Carriage Association.

Mr Conyan of the Hackney Carriage Association (“HCA”) informed members that the HCA had been consulted on the High Street Regeneration project and were happy with the proposals.  Mr Conyan did raise some concern as to whether they would be re-consulted should the proposals change and he was also unsure of the timescale of the project.  Mr Conyan stated that if the project was not going to start for another 3 years, then the HCA may wish to re-visit the issue of the bays by the Monument.

Mr Conyan stated that he understood the financial implications for moving the camera in King Street.  However, he would need confirmed costs in order to ask the HCA if they wish to pay for it.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the report be noted.

2.  That the Democratic Services Manager inform Mr Conyan of the timescales of the High Street Regeneration project and request officers to re-consult with the HCA should the planned proposals require any amendment.

The Committee considered the report of the Democratic Services Manager regarding the results of the consultation undertaken to revise the Street Trading Consent Policy relating to additional applications for an agreed site.

Members raised the issue of prohibited streets and whether they could be used in Maidstone.  The Committee were informed that a new consultation paper on street trading had recently been circulated to Local Authorities and a report would be submitted to the next meeting.  Members were informed that the consultation paper could impact on what the Council achieved through the Maidstone Act.

RESOLVED: 

1.  That the Street Trading Consent Policy as attached to the report of the Democratic Services Manager be agreed.

2.  That the Democratic Services Manager reports to the Licensing Committee in January regarding the consultation paper and in March regarding a possible list of prohibited streets.

The Committee considered the report of the Democratic Services Manager regarding street trading applications for multiple sites.

Members felt it would be more appropriate to restrict this to Fremlin Walk only.

RESOLVED:  That the item be deferred whilst the Democratic Services Manager consults with Fremlin Walk and reports back to the Committee with details of the results of that consultation.

The Democratic Services Manager gave an oral update on the Licensing Partnership.  The Partnership was due to commence from 1 January 2010.  The Democratic Services Manager will continue as Client Manager at Maidstone Borough Council and would report to the Committee on partnership issues.

Mr Garnett, the Regional Licensing Manager, based at Sevenoaks District Council, informed Members that they were ahead of schedule and the central administration team was about to be appointed.  As soon as individuals have accepted their offers, the names would be put in the public domain.  Mr Garnett said that they had been able to retain the knowledge through Licensing Officers and administration staff.  The cover at the Gateway would be increased to deal with the foot traffic of the taxi fraternity.  The IT integration process is well ahead of schedule and from 7 December 2009 a parallel processing of applications will be running. 

Mr Garnett mentioned that it was his intention to be a regular attendee at this Committee. 

Mr Harris informed Members that all staff in the Licensing team at Maidstone had a role within the Licensing Partnership or within the organisation.

Members felt it was important to interact with the Licensing Committee Members of the other Boroughs in the Partnership.  Mr Garnett informed Members that Sevenoaks currently hold 4 training sessions a year for Licensing Committee Members and he would open these sessions up to Licensing Committee Members in the other Boroughs.

Members raised the issue of legal advice.  The Democratic Services Manager informed Members that the number of hearings that have been held over the last year has been the highest ever and with our Legal Adviser being involved with the KIG enquiry, this had caused difficulties in obtaining a regular legal presence.  Members suggested that the name of the legal adviser is put on the Agenda for each meeting.

Members raised the issue of being kept informed on a regular basis about what applications have been received.  Mr Garnett informed Members that he was in the process of agreeing with the Democratic Services Manager the best way for Members to receive statistics and key indicators and he will look to include the information requested.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the oral report of the Democratic Services Manager be noted.

2.  That the name of the Legal Adviser is included on the Agenda for every Hearing.

RESOLVED:  That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information for the reason specified:-

RESOLVED: That the oral report of the Democratic Services Manager be noted.

6.30 p.m. to 8.40 p.m.