Issue - meetings

Members heard from the Senior Licensing and Community safety Officer regarding the extension of the pavement licensing sub-delegation. It was explained that in September 2024, the Regulatory Committee agreed to delegate the District Council’s function under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 for “Pavement Licenses” to Lincolnshire County Council for a further 24 months up until the September 2026. There were three such licences in West Lindsey, and it was not considered viable for the Council to deliver the service directly.

In response to enquiries regarding the number of venues in the district with outside seating but only three licenses being in existence, it was explained that land ownership was the primary consideration and licences were only required for spaces used on public land. Members were advised to notify Officers of any particular concerns.

There was further discussion regarding the fee chargeable for the licence, however it was recognised that Lincolnshire County Council opted not to charge. It was considered that the charge could be prohibitive to small businesses, and the approach of the County Council was appreciated.

Having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was

RESOLVED that the District Council’s function in relation to “Pavement Licenses” under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 be delegated to Lincolnshire County Council until September 2029