Agenda and minutes

This meeting is to be webcast and the Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone that this meeting will be filmed live or recorded, and uploaded to the internet and will be capable of repeated viewing.

Therefore, by participating in this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

If any public speakers on MS Teams do not wish to have their image captured, they should ensure that their video setting throughout the meeting is turned off and set to audio only.

Members and public speakersare reminded to turn on their microphones before speaking and turn them off when they have finished”.

The Chairman reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the internet and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made by the Councillors present pursuant to the Council’s Member Code of Conduct.

The Committee noted that there was no additional business for consideration at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 10^th October 2024.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 October 2024 be taken as read and can be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider the attached report on Taxi Licencing Tariff Update 2025.

The Committee received updates from D King, Licensing Manager, on the following issues:

1.     Street Parties / Road Closures for VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations.

-        The Committee express their gratitude on behalf of the residents.

2.     Pavement Off Sales Easement Ends.

-        The Committee discussed how the easement ending may lead to breaches of Licensing conditions, and how this can be monitored.

-        D King explained that licensees have been notified, that spot checks are being carried out and that the Licensing Team welcomes referrals from the public.

-        In response to a question regarding how many pavement licences there are, D King confirmed the figure will be provided for the meeting minutes.  - D King has provided the following information; there are 15 pavement licenses.

3.     2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships (Euro 2025) semi-finals and final.

-        The Committee noted the update.

To consider the attached report on Taxi Licencing Tariff Update 2025.

The Committee received an update from D King, Licensing Manager, on the Annual Taxi Tariff Review.

-        The Committee discussed how the tariffs affect the uptake of electric vehicles used as taxis.

To consider the attached report on the Tobacco & Vape Bill.

The Committee received an update from D King, Licensing Manager, on the Tobacco & Vape Bill.

-        The Committee commented on the work carried out so far and the work still needing to be done on this, and how this aligns with the Local Government Reform and the Unitary Council Epping Forest District Council will come under.

-        D King confirmed that work will still carry on, as at present there is no other authority to guide EFDC on this or for EFDC to fall in line with, as no decisions has been made as to which Councils EFDC will join in a new Unitary Council.

Alcohol Licensing Policy

-        D King informed the Committee that EFDCs Alcohol Licensing Policy is coming up for its consultation and review this year. He intends to make necessary changes only to make sure it is fit for purpose and legally compliant going forward. However, as EFDC is going through Local Government Reform, this will need to be changed again.

           The consultation will happen in the summer, and the draft consultation can    

           therefore not be brough to the next Committee meeting before going out,

           D King will however circulate the draft to Committee Members for comments

           before the consultation opens.

Electric charging facilities

-        Cllr Lion asked if the Licensing Department has received any feedback regarding lack of on-street electric charging points?

D King confirmed that Licensing has not received any comments directly, however a colleague in EFDC has received feedback that lack of on street charging points is a barrier to taxi drivers moving over to electric vehicles.

Facilities are limited across the district, no area in particular has been flagged as a particular problem area.

The next meeting of the Licensing Committee has been scheduled for 9October 2025 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber.

Resolved:

The Committee noted the date of the next meeting was scheduled for 9^th October 2025 at 7.00pm.