Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 8 November 2022
Back to Argyll and Bute Licensing Board — 8 November 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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THE ARGYLL AND BUTE LICENSING BOARD Tel. (01546) 604128 Kilmory Lochgilphead 3 November 2022 Dear Sir/Madam LICENSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 A meeting of the ARGYLL AND BUTE LICENSING BOARD will be held in the BY SKYPE on TUESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2022 at 11:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Yours faithfully DAVID LOGAN Clerk to the Board To: All Members of the Licensing Board BUSINESS 1. APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM LICENSING BOARD MEETING OF 8TH SEPTEMBER 2022 4. APPLICATION FOR MAJOR VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE (a) Argyll Vintners, 18 Hillfoot Street, Dunoon, PA23 7DS (Pages 5 - 12) The applicant wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To add on-sales hours. 2) To increase the terminal hour for off-sales. 3) Increase in off-sales capacity to 31.75m2. 4) Addition of an on-sales capacity of 16 persons. 5) Minor amendment to the seasonal variation wording. 6) Addition of Children and Young Person's conditions. 7) Creation of a small bar and seating area for customers. 8) Change of Premises Manager. Summary Sheet attached – Item 4(a) (b) Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, PA48 7UD Public Document Pack
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(Pages 13 - 14) The applicant wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To amend the terminal hour on a Sunday from to 17.30 to 21.30. Summary Sheet attached – Item 4(b) 5. APPLICATION FOR MAJOR VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE (CONTINUED FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING) (a) Bowmore Distillery & Visitor Centre, School Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay, PA43 7JS The applicants wish to vary the licence as follows:- 1) Amend Children and young person’s access to provide for resident children and young person’s access at all times. 2) To include accommodation and Club or other group meetings as activities. 3) At Question 5 to add the wording 'All activities stated above will be available to resident guests at all times. 4) Change to the layout and location plans to include the self-catering cottages within the licensed area. 5) The description of the premises is to be amended. (b) Slanj, Station Road, Tarbet, G83 7DA (Pages 15 - 20) The licence holder wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To amend the off sales start time from 11am to 10am. 2) To amend the wording at Question 5(f). 3) To amend the layout plan to show addition of an adjacent adapted container to form a standalone grocery shop with off-sales facility. Summary Sheet attached – Item 5(b) 6. REVIEW OF PERSONAL LICENCES (a) Revocation of Personal Licences where licence holders have not undertaken the refresher training (Pages 21 - 22) A list of personal licences to be revoked is attached. (b) Revocation of Personal licences where licence holders have not applied to renew their licence (Pages 23 - 24) A list of personal licences to be revoked is attached. 7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
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(a) GAMBLING ACT 2005- REVISION OF THE GAMBLING POLICY (Pages 25 - 26) Report by the Clerk to the Board on the outcome of the consultation exercise in respect of the revision of the Gambling Policy Attached is a copy of the Report. (b) Police Scotland - Chief Constables Report 2020-2021 (Pages 27 - 32) Attached is a copy of the Chief Constables Report 2021-2021 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Licensing Board will be held on Tuesday 28th February 2023 at 11.00am. Argyll and Bute Licensing Board Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Kieron Green (Chair) Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Graham Hardie Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Mark Irvine (Vice-Chair) Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Liz McCabe Contact: Margaret MacLean Tel: 01546 604128
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ITEM 4(a) Argyll and Bute Licensing Board 8th November 2022 VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE NAME OF PREMISES: Argyll Vintners, 18 Hillfoot Street, Dunoon, PA23 7DS APPLICANT: Argyll Vintners Ltd., Address as above AGENT: N/A DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES: The premises comprises a spacious double fronted shop with extensive display areas for fine wines and liqueurs and display and sale of a range of deli products and dry food goods. The back area houses a kitchen and toilets. EXISTING CORE HOURS PROPOSED CORE HOURS ON SALES OFF SALES ON SALES OFF SALES Monday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Tuesday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Wednesday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Thursday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Friday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Saturday N/A 10.00 to 18.00 12.00 to 22.00 10.00 to 22.00 Sunday N/A CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED DETAILS OF VARIATIONS SOUGHT:- The applicant wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To add on-sales hours. 2) To increase the terminal hour for off-sales. 3) Increase in off-sales capacity to 31.75m2. 4) Addition of an on-sales capacity of 16 persons. Page 5 Agenda Item 4a
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ITEM 4(a) 5) Minor amendment to the seasonal variation wording. 6) Addition of Children and Young Person's conditions. 7) Creation of a small bar and seating area for customers. 8) Change of Premises Manager. CURRENT ACTIVITIES: There are no activities currently listed on the licence. CURRENT OFF-SALES CAPACITY: 28.75m2 PROPOSED OFF-SALES CAPACITY: 31.75m2 CURRENT SEASONAL VARIATION: On the Sunday before Christmas each year, from 11.00am to 6.00pm in addition to the core hours. PROPOSED SEASONAL VARATION: On the Sunday before Christmas each year, from 11.00am to 4.00pm in addition to the core hours. PROPOSED CHILDREN & YOUNG PERSON CONDITIONS:- TERMS - No children or young persons are to be permitted entry to the seated tasting area but are permitted entry to the premises with an adult over the age of 18 years to the off-sales area of the premises. AGES - Children - 0-15 years Young persons 16-17 years TIMES – 10.00am to 10.00pm PARTS – All public parts of the premises apart from the seated tasting area. LSO: See attached report. POLICE COMMENTS: No Police objections. OBJECTIONS/REPRESENTATIONS: None POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION: (1)The addition of on-sales- Monday to Saturday 12p.m. to 10p.m. (2)To extend the terminal hour for off-sales from 6p.m. to 10p.m. (3)To increase the off-sales capacity from 28.75m2 to 31.75m2 and the addition of an on-sales capacity of 16 persons (4)Minor amendment to the seasonal variation to have opening on the Sunday before Christmas 11a.m. to 4p.m. (currently 11a.m. to 6p.m.) (5)The addition of terms for children and young persons (6)The creation of a small bar and seating area for customers Page 6
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ITEM 4(a) (7)Change of premises manager Page 7
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LSO REPORT VINTNERS LTD, 18 HILLFOOT STREET, DUNOON, PA23 7DS (REPORT BY RAYMOND PARK) Argyll Vintners is a well-established off sales premises within Dunoon town centre. During 2017 the applicant was successful in his application to add a delicatessen to compliment the range of wines and spirits offered. To continue the development of the business model the applicant is now seeking to add on sales to the premises to allow seating for 16 persons and to also permit tasting sessions on the premises. The applicant has excluded children and young persons from the seated areas and on sales services but requests they be permitted access in relation to the off sales/delicatessen aspect. New and up to date layout and operating plans have been submitted along with the application. The applicant has been in early discussion with Licensing Standards, there are no outstanding Licensing Standards issues. Operating Plan Question 1 Current; Will alcohol be sold for consumption both ON and OFF the premises? No Proposed; Will alcohol be sold for consumption both ON and OFF the premises? Yes Question 2 Current; core times for on sales, N/A Proposed; core times for on sales Monday to Saturday; midday till 10pm Sunday closed Question 3 Current; core times for off sales Monday to Saturday; 10am till 6pm Sunday closed Proposed; core times for on sales Monday to Saturday; 10am till 10pm Sunday closed Question 4 Seasonal Variation Current; on the Sunday before Christmas each year, from 11.00am to 6.00pm in addition to the core hours. Proposed; currently the premises are licensed Monday – Saturday. With the added exception of the Sunday before Christmas, when we are licensed from 12noon – 4.00pm. Page 9
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Question 5(f) Any other activities Current; delivery of orders for wines etc. to purchasers and taking telephone orders for collection by specified parties. Sale of delicatessen and dry food goods. Proposed; Delivery of orders for wines etc. to purchasers and taking telephone orders for collection by specified parties. Question 6 (On sales only) Current; N/A Proposed; Terms; No children or young persons are to be permitted entry to the seated & tasting areas but are permitted entry to the premises with an adult over the age of 18 years to the off-sales area of the premises. Ages; Children - 0-15 years, Young person’s 16-17 years Times; 10.00am to 10.00pm Parts; All public parts of the premises apart from the seated & tasting areas. Question 7 Capacity Current; off sales 28.75M2 On sales, N/A Proposed; off sales 31.75M2 On sales 16 EHO No outstanding issues. Page 10
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UP counter wine racks display fridge wine sunken mat elec meter wine racks storage shelves BOILER elec heater (under shelves) elec heater (under counter) desk shelf unit alcohol display alcohol display alcohol display alcohol display HD existing extract through blocked up high level window P Proposed bespoke inbuilt seating area New Servery Counter Proposed bespoke inbuilt seating area Whiskey barrel table Whiskey barrel table storage shelves deli display display fridge chilled food Rear Display Area Accessible Unisex Toilet Kitchen Store wine storage elec heater relocated 900 1272 Front Display and Tasting Area strip out existing and form new partitions in timber stud and doors to form Kitchen, Storage and Toilet areas strip out partitions etc to form clearer access ENTRANCE Total Shop Occupancy: 16 persons plus 2 staff = 18 persons total generally to be retained as existing strip out previous items and 50mm raised floor to provide level access to toilets for disabled customers 1:100@A4 AUG 22 LR FLOOR PLAN AS PROPOSED 1019/PL/02 PLANNINGFLOOR PLAN AS PROPOSED 1:100 0 25 50 100 SCALE 1:2500 SCALE 1:1250 0 5010 20 0 SCALE 1:20 10.5 SCALE 1:10 SCALE 1:5 2 DRAWING NO. STATUS NOTES DRAWING PROJECT SCALE DATE DRAWN REVISIONS 0 0.5 1 0 0.5 - All scale bars shown on this drawing are in metres - Do not scale from drawing (Planning Department excepted) - Cross check all appropriate drawings - Any discrepancies to be notified to Architect - All dimensions to be confirmed on site prior to ordering any materials or commencing work - If in doubt - Ask! Richard Robb ARCHITECTS @ 01475 630877 07092 807195 rrobb@scotlandarchitects.co.uk www.scotlandarchitects.co.uk 75/77 ALBERT ROAD, GOUROCK, PA19 1NJ Crown Copyright License No. 100020449 PROPOSED ALTERATIONS AT ARGYLL VINTNERS LTD 18 HILLFOOT STREET, DUNOON, PA23 7DS FOR ANDREW McMASTER Page 11
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ITEM 4(b) Argyll and Bute Licensing Board 8th November 2022 VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE NAME OF PREMISES: Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, PA48 7UD APPLICANT: Alexander MacLellan, Seaview, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, PA49 7UN AGENT: N/A DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES: A restaurant selling food and drinks. Has 40 covers. EXISTING CORE HOURS PROPOSED CORE HOURS ON SALES OFF SALES ON SALES OFF SALES Monday CLOSED N/A CLOSED N/A Tuesday 11.00 to 21.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A Wednesday 11.00 to 21.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A Thursday 11.00 to 21.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A Friday 11.00 to 21.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A Saturday 11.00 to 21.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A Sunday 11.00 to 17.30 N/A 11.00 to 21.30 N/A DETAILS OF VARIATIONS SOUGHT:- The applicant wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To amend the terminal hour on a Sunday from to 17.30 to 21.30. CURRENT ACTIVITIES: Restaurant; Bar meals; Celebrations; Funerals; Live music; Recorded music; Outdoor drinking. Page 13 Agenda Item 4b
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ITEM 4(b) LSO: (REPORT BY ERIC DEARIE) This is a long-established restaurant located in the village of Port Charlotte on the Isle of Islay. Access to website here. This application is to amend core licensing hours on a Sunday only from 1100-1730 to 1100-2130. A straightforward application with no concerns POLICE COMMENTS: No Police objections. OBJECTIONS/REPRESENTATIONS: None POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION: Page 14
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ITEM 5(b) Argyll and Bute Licensing Board 8th November 2022 VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE NAME OF PREMISES: Slanj, Station Road, Tarbet, G83 7DA APPLICANT: Torrance Developments Ltd., 60 Cambuslang Road, Rutherglen, G73 1BQ AGENT: N/A DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES: The premises are a two storey former church in a predominantly residential rural village. EXISTING CORE HOURS PROPOSED CORE HOURS ON SALES OFF SALES ON SALES OFF SALES Monday 11.00 to 24.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 24.00 10.00 to 22.00 Tuesday 11.00 to 24.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 24.00 10.00 to 22.00 Wednesday 11.00 to 24.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 24.00 10.00 to 22.00 Thursday 11.00 to 24.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 24.00 10.00 to 22.00 Friday 11.00 to 01.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 01.00 10.00 to 22.00 Saturday 11.00 to 01.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 01.00 10.00 to 22.00 Sunday 11.00 to 24.00 11.00 to 22.00 11.00 to 24.00 10.00 to 22.00 DETAILS OF VARIATIONS SOUGHT:- The licence holder wishes to vary the licence as follows:- 1) To amend the off sales start time from 11am to 10am. 2) To amend the wording at Question 5(f). 3) To amend the layout plan to show addition of an adjacent adapted container to form a standalone grocery shop with off-sales facility. Page 15 Agenda Item 5b
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ITEM 5(b) CURRENT WORDING AT QUESTION 5(F) OTHER ACTIVITIES:- Takeaways and delivery of alcohol together with food to customers. PROPOSED WORDING AT QUESTION 5(F) OTHER ACTIVITIES:- Takeaways and delivery of alcohol together with food to customers. Addition of an adjacent standalone grocery shop with off-sales facility, as per updated layout plan. Shop will open 7am till 10pm daily and serve alcohol from 10am till 10pm. LSO: The Slanj is a well-established restaurant in the area of Tarbet/Arrochar. This is an application to add a grocery shop, with off sales, within the premises grounds. The shop which consists of a converted container has been in operation for the past year, utilising occasional licences whilst awaiting planning permission for a more permanent solution. Planning permission has now been granted, hence the application for the variation. Operating Plan Question 3 Core off Sales times Current; 11:00 till 22:00 seven days Proposed; 10:00 till 22:00 seven days (In line with national restrictions) Question 5(f) any other activities. Current; Delivery of alcohol together with food to customers. Proposed; Delivery of alcohol together with food to customers. Addition of an adjacent standalone grocery shop with off sales facility, as per updated layout plan. Shop will open 7am till 10pm daily and serve alcohol from 10am till 10pm Layout Plan A new Layout Plan showing the location of the grocery shop within the restaurant grounds has been submitted. EHO Is aware and has no issues. POLICE COMMENTS: No Police objections. OBJECTIONS/REPRESENTATIONS: NONE Page 16
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ITEM 5(b) POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION: (1)Building Standards have advised that there is an outstanding building warrant enforcement notice in respect of the portacabin/container being used as retail premises. It has been agreed with the applicant that this application will be continued to the November Board meeting to enable the issues to be resolved. (2) Building Standards have provided an update. A submission was received on 12th October, 2022 but there was insufficient information to determine compliance with the Building Regulations. A letter was sent on 12th October, 2022 requesting additional information which is awaited. Page 17
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Page 21 Agenda Item 6a
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Page 23 Agenda Item 6b
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AM / LGL - 008898 / 00699284 Page 1 ARGYLL AND BUTE LICENSING BOARD – 8th NOVEMBER 2022 REPORT BY CLERK TO THE BOARD STATEMENT OF GAMBLING POLICY 2022-2025 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 provides that a licensing authority shall before each successive three year period, prepare a statement of the principles they propose to apply with respect to the exercise of their functions under the Act during that period and publish a statement. The Licensing Authority may, during a three year period, review and revise their statement of their policy with respect to the exercise of their functions during the remainder of that period. 1.2 In preparing a statement the Licensing Authority requires to consult with:- • The Chief Constable • One or more persons who appear to represent the interests of people carrying an gambling business in the authority’s area, and • One or more persons who appear to represent the interests of persons likely to be affected by the exercise of the authority’s functions under this act. 1.3 The present policy was last reviewed in 2019 and is due to expire in December 2022. Accordingly the Board at their meeting on 8th September 2022 agreed to undertake a review of the policy statement. A) As part of this review process, the Board agreed to initiate a consultation exercise with a number of groups and organisations as detailed in Appendix 1 and that the deadline for consultation responses was 17th October 2022. B) The consultation period has now ended and no comments have been received. C) If the revised policy is approved by the Licensing Board, the Licensing Board require to agree a date on which the revised policy will come into effect which must be at least 4 weeks after it has published a notice of intention to revise the policy. The notice of intention must be published on the Council’s website and in one or more of the following; - a local newspaper, a local newsletter or circular or similar document, a public notice board in the principal office of the authority, a public notice board in one or more public libraries in the authority’s area. 2 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 That the Licensing Board approve the amendments to the policy (copy attached) as highlighted and agree that notice should be given of this intention on the Councils website and the public notice board at the Councils headquarters and the notice boards at each of the area offices and agree that the revised statement of gambling policy will come into effect on the 30 December 2022. David Logan Clerk to the Board 3rd November 2022 Page 25 Agenda Item 7a
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AM / LGL - 008898 / 00699284 Page 2 APPENDIX 1 1. Members of Argyll and Bute Licensing Board 2. Elected Members of Argyll and Bute Council 3. The Gambling Commission, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP 4. The Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 173 Pitt Street, Glasgow, G2 4JS 5. Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Bothwell Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, ML3 0EA 6. Head of Development & Economic Growth, Department of Development and Infrastructure Services, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT 7. Head of Children & Families, Community Services, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT 8. Argyll and Bute Child Protection Committee, Children & Families Section, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT 9. H M Revenue and Customs, Excise Processing Teams, BX9 1GL, United Kingdom 10. Associated Secretary, The Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN 11. The Chairman, British Casino Association, 38 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW11 0EB 12. Association of British Bookmakers Limited, Regency House, 1-4 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5LT Page 26
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 1 OFFICIAL ARGYLL & BUTE Licensing Report 2021-2022 Page 27 Agenda Item 7b
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 2 OFFICIAL Foreword It gives me great pleasure to provide the Annual Licensing Report for 2021/22, in accordance with Section 12(A) Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Throughout this year Local Authorities and Police Scotland worked hard to support licensed premises in their road to recovery as Covid-19 restrictions were being lifted. Collaboration is vital to ensure these businesses can flourish, providing much needed employment for our communities as well as a safe environments for people to socialise. Police Scotland will continue to work closely with Local Authorities, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure there is a fair and consistent approach across all 32 Local Authorities throughout Scotland to aid this recovery. Preventing alcohol fuelled violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour remains a priority for Police Scotland and I believe that working together we can reduce this through early intervention and enforcement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our local partnerships and the good work they carry out. With their support Police Scotland and partners can continue to drive improvements in licensing. I will continue to ensure that all officers and staff recognise the importance of working together with key partners, including the Licensing Trade, in an effort to improve licensing standards nationally. Mr Iain Livingstone QPM Chief Constable Police Service of Scotland Police Scotland Licensing Overview – The Violence Prevention and Licensing Co-ordination Unit (VPLCU) sits within Safer Communities based at Dalmarnock Police Station, Glasgow. The VPLCU upholds the two tier structure for licensing which supports both national and local priorities through service delivery. They have overall responsibility for determining and delivering national licensing strategy and policy, by providing advice, guidance and support to divisional licensing teams as well as undertaking other specialist functions. The Violence Prevention and Licensing Co-ordination Unit is a specialist department which consists of a small team of officers, based in Glasgow. The officers within the unit work with divisional licensing teams and partner agencies to help shape policy and strategy around the police licensing function. They provide practical and tactical advice to police licensing practitioners, operational officers, supervisors and policing commanders. The VPLCU seek to ensure that legislation governing the sale and supply of alcohol is applied consistently across the country and all opportunities are taken to stop the Page 28
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 3 OFFICIAL illegal or irresponsible sale, supply or consumption of alcohol with the intention of preventing and reducing crime and disorder. During 2021/2022, from a licensing perspective, our particular focus was on the following; Scrutiny of the serious incidents of violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour linked to licensed premises. Working closely with Licenced Premises and Scottish Government to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through the 4Es approach by engaging, explaining, educating and enforcing. Governance and ongoing development of the National ICT Licensing System, known as “Inn Keeper”, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of liquor and civic licensing administration and management. Police Scotland are currently working on upgrade to the National ICT system to ensure compliance with GDPR legislation. Each of the 13 Local Policing Divisions have a licensing team responsible for the day to day management of licensing administration, complying with statutory requirements as well as addressing any issues that may arise within licensed premises in their local area. Licensing Board Area The Licensing Board area is policed by Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division. Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff is the Local Police Commander who has the responsibility for all day-to-day policing functions. Local Policing Priorities Following our public consultation process, the policing priorities for Argyll and Bute as set out in our Local Policing Plan are as follows; Public Protection Serious Organised Crime Violent Crime Road Safety and Road Crime Acquisitive Crime Description of Board Area There are two Area Commanders responsible for Argyll and Bute. Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie is responsible for Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Oban, Lorne and the Islands and Chief Inspector Emma Grimason is responsible for Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh. Page 29
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 4 OFFICIAL Response Policing Officers for Argyll and Bute are supported by Community Investigation Units and based throughout the area. All officers are provided with specialised support from the Licensing Team, working together to create strong and positive relationships with both residential and business premises, with the aim of creating a safer environment for people to live and work in. There are 607 Licensed Premises in Argyll and Bute of which the vast majority are in the main settlements of Oban, Helensburgh, Campbeltown, Dunoon, Lochgilphead and Rothesay. There is also licensed premises in almost every village throughout the area. The economy is mainly service based in Helensburgh and tourism throughout the rest of Argyll and Bute, a large part of this encompassing the licensing trade. The Loch Lomond and outlying areas receives an influx of tourists including large groups of children and young persons every summer. A multi-agency operation including Argyll & Bute Council, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and Police Scotland was carried out in these areas to target and deter anti-social behaviour and ensure that underage drinking and associated proxy purchasing was prevented and detected. Operation of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 The Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Divisional Licensing Team provides guidance and support to Local Policing in relation to the prevention of underage sales at licensed premises and to ensure adherence to this Act. All crimes, incidents and inspections of licensed premises are recorded by officers on the Police “Innkeeper” system. This system provides a means for licensing staff to review such matters, supporting premises where necessary and giving positive feedback where appropriate. The Licensing Team also collaborate with a variety of partner agencies, including Licensing Standards Officers, Ministry of Defence Police, Environmental Health Officers, Trading Standards and Border Control, to ensure that licensed premises are running safe and legitimate businesses. Working together ensures that licensing objectives are fully met in conjunction with local and national policing priorities. The Licensing Standards Officers and Licensing Sergeant work together in order to resolve issues at the earliest possible stage. A recent example of this was working with licensed premises for the new outside areas due to Covid 19 restrictions. This involved meeting at premises to view and discuss applications as well as making suggestions to ensure all applicants were operating within the guidance set out by the Scottish Government. Preventing the sale or supply of alcohol to children or young people In the last year across Argyll and Bute, the unlawful sale and supply of alcohol to young people frequently resulted in anti-social behaviour. Page 30
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 5 OFFICIAL This resulted in several persons being reported to the Procurator Fiscal for purchasing alcohol for persons under 18 years of age. Numerous young persons had alcohol seized after being observed with alcohol in public places during targeted operations, with referrals being made to partner agencies to further support and educate young persons in respect of the dangers connected to alcohol abuse. The agent purchase campaign planned for this period has been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, community and intelligence led Policing through engagement with young people and licensees continued, in order to reduce the number of young people accessing alcohol. There are 5 dedicated Youth Engagement Officers in Argyll and Bute who work closely with schools and youth organisations in order to educate young people on the significant risks associated with the consumption of alcohol. First year pupils are all able to attend the Choices for Life programme which tackles a number of issues for young people including the effects of alcohol. Support is sought from the Licensing Department as and when required. Tackling Serious and Organised Crime Serious and Organised Crime Groups pose a risk within the Argyll and Bute area, in respect of public safety and community wellbeing. The licensed trade, particularly on sales, is viewed as an area of interest to such groups due to their primarily cash orientated business model and the ability to launder money from the proceeds of crime in such establishments. The Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Divisional Licensing Team, in conjunction with both Divisional and National Intervention support, continue to robustly ensure checks are carried out in relation to all relevant applications. Particular attention is paid to those which may be of interest to Organised Crime Groups, in order to reduce opportunities for these groups to infiltrate legitimate businesses within the Argyll & Bute Licensing Board area. Police Scotland also continue to work with licence holders in relation to the dangers around substance misuse that can be found within premises. Where issues are identified, these are highlighted to the licence holders and/or responsible persons, with advice and guidance provided to assist in addressing said issues. Where inadequate action is taken, premises and individual licence holders will be reported to the Licensing Board. Proposed activity for the year ahead During the next year Police Scotland will continue to work in all areas of licensing in line with the Divisional and National Policing Priorities to ensure that we continue in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people and communities of Argyll & Bute. Page 31
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OFFICIAL NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page | 6 OFFICIAL As outlined, the Divisional Licensing Team have strong working relationships with our partners and we will continue to build on these in the forthcoming year. We will continue to share information where appropriate and consult other agencies to assist in solving problems or concerns that arise involving licence holders. Police Scotland will continue to monitor all incidents in and around licensed premises and where shortcomings are identified, will provide support and/or plans in respect of tackling these issues. Divisional Licensing Teams will use interaction, intervention and support prior to requesting a review of a premises licence unless the matter, due to its severity, requires to come before the Licensing Board immediately. We will continue to tackle agent purchasing of alcohol on behalf of children and young persons through intelligence led policing and community education. The hope will be that the National Proxy Purchase campaign will go ahead and information in relation to the campaign will be made available to the Board when available. We will support the Licensed Trade in their efforts to prevent and deter violence in premises. This will continue to be carried out by tasking visits to premises where violence has been identified as an issue and by ensuring that staff are well prepared for dealing with any such incidents. We will continue to seek exclusion orders for persons convicted of committing acts of violence on licensed premises. Conclusion To conclude we would like to thank you for your continued support and stress the importance of this collaborative problem solving approach. This ensures that police, license holders and licensed premises staff have a better understanding of their responsibilities. We look forward to furthering this partnership over the coming year. Page 32