Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting on 30 June 2023 be approved.

The Committee considered the introduction of a Code of Conduct for the District (deatiled in Appendix A) to the report.  The proposed Code would not only allow the Council to manage buskers and street entertainers but would also assist the Police with their duties. It would also support the busker/street entertainers by having a clear and concise Code of Conduct, setting out the Council’s approach, which in turn would make Staffordshire Moorlands a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit.

The proposed Code of Conduct would be implemented across the District, subject to amendments suggested by Staffordshire Police, and be widely publicised.  Buskers and street entertainers would be given a copy of the Code of Conduct and the Environmental Health and Licensing team would ensure its effective implementation following adoption. Councillors also suggested the use of QR codes on posters etc. to help promote the Code in a positive manner.

RESOLVED:

That the Code of Conduct be approved, subject to amendments suggested by Staffordshire Police.

The report highlighted the issues with giving pets as prizes and also supported the RSPCA campaign.

The Council had been contacted by residents through their Councillors expressing their concerns that the practice of giving live animals as prizes was still not outlawed and had requested the Council to work with the RSPCA to support their campaign to ban outright the giving of live animals as prizes on Council owned land. It was suggested that by so doing it would send a message that the Council cared about the welfare of pet animals, such as goldfish, which may be given as prizes in many fairs and community events.

RESOLVED:

1.     That an outright ban of the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council owned land be implemented.

2.     That the Council carries out a review of its current policies, and the terms and conditions of the licences and hire of Council owned land and premises, to ensure that they reflect the Council’s decision at paragraph 1 above.

The report updated members in relation to the enforcement activity undertaken within the Licensing Section in the period since the last meeting of the Committee.  In the period July 2023 to October 2023 the Licensing Service had engaged in a number of enforcement actions. These activities had involved reactive responses to complaints and intelligence received from the public and partner agencies as well as proactive compliance checks. It was pleasing to report that the Licensing Section had noted a good level of compliance with the applicable legislation overall.

Councillors raised issues relating to moped deliveries for which officers were liasing with Police and considereing the use of barriers/planters.  The Committee thanked officers for their work in enforcing licensing matters.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted