Licensing committee training videos

The LGA has refreshed its support offer to assist officers with the process of inducting new members onto licensing committees.


Introduction

In order to effectively administer the licensing system, it is crucial that members are fully trained before sitting on a committee, and these videos are designed to support that process. These videos focus on some key areas of licensing: alcohol and entertainment, taxi and private hire vehicle, and gambling. The videos are scenario based and we encourage members to watch them, review any supporting materials and reflect on how they would respond, before reviewing the tip sheet for some suggestions of points to consider. However, these videos are just a snapshot of the different aspects of licensing and we would recommend members complete the LGA’s licensing e-learning module, read the LGA’s Licensing Act 2003 - Councillor’s handbook, Councillor Handbook: Taxi and PHV Licensing, and Gambling regulation: Councillor handbook, as well as reviewing materials provided to you by your council.

Alcohol and entertainment licensing

Trigger warning: this video contains some mild scenes of violence and fake blood. 

Instruction



Please reflect on this video and think about what questions you might ask at a hearing. You should also review the Old Barge’s conditions and the police representation, which can be seen in the documents accompanying this video. What would your decision on the Old Barge’s licence be? Would you impose any new conditions?  Please note down your ideas before reviewing the tip sheet. 

Gambling licensing: gaming machine permit review

Instruction



Please reflect on this video and think about what questions you might ask at a hearing. You should also review the police representation, which can be seen in the documents accompanying this video. What would your decision on the Old Barge’s gaming machine permit be? Would you impose any new conditions?  Please note down your ideas before reviewing the tip sheet. 

Gambling licensing: committee hearing

Instruction



Please reflect on the Committee’s questioning and the applicant and lawyers responses. You should also review the representation from the Greenwood Chinese Community Centre, which can be seen in the documents accompanying this video. What would your decision on this licence application be, would you impose any conditions? Please note down your ideas before reviewing the tip sheet. 

Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing

Instruction



Please reflect on this video and think about what questions you might ask at a hearing. You should also review the driver’s letter, which can be seen in the documents accompanying this video. Would you impose any conditions on the driver? What would your decision on his licence be? Please note down your ideas before reviewing the tip sheet. 

Community safety and safeguarding

Instruction

Please reflect on this video and think about what licensing authorities can do to assist and give confidence to licence holders to report any safeguarding concerns. You should consider:

  • How can your policy be used to support both licensees and vulnerable people?
  • What training, if any, should be available? Should it be mandatory?
  • Should the licensing authority have information available to support licensees who may have safeguarding concerns? If so, what should this look like and what should it include? How should this be promoted? What routes should be available for licensees to pass on concerns? Is this the responsibility of the council, or a joint responsibility with other bodies, such as the police?
  • Should these approaches be implemented via enforcement or education, or both?
  • And finally, do your licensing officers feel confident about the referrals they should make in the event of a safeguarding incident, and how can you support them?

Once all this has been considered, we would encourage you to compare your decisions to your own licensing authority’s policies and practices. Are you satisfied with them? Please note down your ideas before reviewing the tip sheet.