Search Constitution

2. All matters relating to the discharge by the authority of its licensing functions as required by s7(1) Licensing Act 2003 unless delegated to the Licensing Sub-Committee or to officers.

Delegated to the Licensing Sub-Committee where set out in its Terms of Reference. Delegated to officers where no objection is received.

7. To be responsible for the delegation to officers of functions under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005.

8. All non-executive functions relating to the Gambling Act 2005 unless delegated to the Licensing Sub-committee as set out below or to officers within the Constitution.

The Licensing Code of Conduct has been adopted by Tower Hamlets Council to regulate the performance of its licensing functions that fall within the Terms of Reference for the Licensing Committee. Its major objectives are to guide Councillors and officers of the Council in dealing with licensing related matters and to inform potential licensees and the public generally of the standards adopted by the Council in the exercise of its licensing functions. Except where otherwise stated, references in this Code are to the Licensing Committee and its Sub-Committees and the expression “Licensing Committee” should be interpreted accordingly.

making comments to residents, interested parties, other Councillors or appropriate officers, provided they do not consist of or amount to prejudging the issue and the Councillor makes clear that they are keeping an open mind;

As the technical and propriety issues associated with licensing are not straightforward, Councillors on the Licensing Committee must participate in a programme of training on the licensing system and related matters agreed by and organised by officers. The programme will consist of compulsory and discretionary elements. The aim of the training is to assist Members in carrying out their role properly and effectively. If a Councillor fails to participate in the compulsory elements of the training this may result in that Councillor being asked to stand down as a Councillor of the Licensing Committee.

Where a Member has a genuine difficulty in attending any particular training session officers will try when practicable to accommodate a request for an individual or repeat session.

The Licensing Committee may need to determine an application submitted by a Councillor or an officer, or by a company or individual with which a Councillor or officer has an interest or relationship. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Councillor or an officer includes any former Councillors or officers. In such cases, it is vital to ensure that such application is handled in a way that gives no grounds for accusations or favouritism. Accordingly the matter will be dealt with as follows-

In respect of former Councillors or former officers the above requirements shall apply for a period of three years following their departure from the Council.