‘Relevant representations’ can include positive, supportive representations. Advice for anyone wishing to make representations is available on the Vale of Glamorgan website and can be provided in hard copy upon request. Individuals or groups may request a representative to make representations on their behalf, for example a legal representative, friend, Member of Parliament, Member of the National Assembly for Wales or Town and Community Councillor. Licensing authority Members are bound by the Member Code of Conduct when participating in the licensing process. Responsible Authorities are advised that representations to impose conditions on licences must not duplicate existing legislation, and should be tailored to the size, style, characteristics and activities taking place at the premises concerned. Standard conditions will not be imposed and therefore all representations should be proportionate and properly recognise the difference between venues. Local Health Board Responsible Authority In April 2012, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 amended the Licensing Act 2003 so that Local Health Boards (Wales) and Directors of Public Health (England) also became a responsible authority. In the Vale of Glamorgan the Local Health Board function is undertaken by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB). The Vale of Glamorgan Council as Licensing Authority recognises that although public health is not a licensing objective, the UHB holds valuable information relevant to the licensing objectives. The UHB actively monitors: - Emergency Unit attendances - Hospital admissions - Last Drink Data The UHB uses this data to contribute to the understanding of the effects, levels and patterns of alcohol consumption within the UHB area. The UHB has advised the Vale of Glamorgan Council that examples of circumstances in which they may wish to make representations include:- • New applications • Applications for review or variation when:- - An existing licensed premise is perceived not to be promoting the licensing objectives, or, - When there is information to suggest non-compliance with an existing Premises Licence
age restricted films. It should also be noted that in relation to such premises a mandatory condition will be applied requiring that access will be restricted to only those who meet the required age limit in accordance with any certificate granted by the British Board of Film Classification, or in specific cases, the local authority. The Licensing Authority supports those premises that choose to participate in any proof of age scheme such as “Challenge 25 or 21” or “No ID, No Sale” as it promotes the licensing objectives. Proxy Sales Adequate procedures must be in place to ensure that all members of staff working at the premises are routinely trained and regularly reminded of their responsibilities in relation to the proxy sale of alcohol, and shall ensure that all reasonable steps are implemented to prevent adults purchasing alcohol for those underage. OTHER MATTERS Enforcement and Compliance Where enforcement action is taken it will be in accordance with the principles of the authority’s enforcement policy. Inspections regimes will be based on a risk assessment of premises in relation to the licensing objectives. Inspections will often be in response to a complaint or the reporting of an issue, but all premises may be subject to inspection at intervals. The licensing authority considers that it is good practice for Responsible Authorities to give licence holders early warning of problems, with a view to securing improvements informally. Where an initial warning fails to secure a resolution to a problem at a licensed premises, the licensing authority and Responsible Authorities will use a stepped approach and may engage the Licence Holder in a voluntarily agreed ‘Action Plan’ for improvement. Where there is a failure to respond to such warnings, it is likely that a request for a Review will be submitted. However, where there are very serious issues, Responsible Authorities may submit a Review application without warning. Cumulative impact /Early Morning Restriction Orders None of the towns within Vale of Glamorgan Council have an area with an excessive number of licensed premises in close proximity, therefore, it is not envisaged that a cumulative impact policy will be introduced within the authority in the foreseeable future. REVIEWS