Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police and Crime Commissioner which provided an update on the priority item ‘To tackle the harm caused by alcohol and drugs to individuals and communities’ (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Staff Officer to the PCC informed the Panel that statistics relating to alcohol-related crime were available and would be circulated to Panel Members.

Councillor Dixon referred to the increase in licensed premises mentioned within the report and asked whether there was now a reduction in the number of pubs closing.  The PCC replied that although there were still a number of licensed premises closing in rural and remote communities, the night time economy in Durham City remained vibrant.  There was a presumption that alcohol licence applications would be granted unless it could be proved disorder would arise as a consequence, and this was difficult to prove.  Additionally, the community voice to object to such applications was not being activated.

Councillor Boyes informed the Panel that he had attended a drugs conference in the summer which had made reference to the diminishing problems of traditional drugs such as cocaine and heroin compared to the increasing problem of legal highs.  Councillor Boyes also referred to Operation A.R.I.E.S which was being carried out in partnership with supermarkets, yet some supermarkets sold alcohol to underage customers.  The PCC replied that the outlets for legal highs needed to be closed, including shops and websites, as had been done in Ireland.  Referring to Operation A.R.I.E.S. the PCC informed the Panel that the Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit worked with supermarkets to address underage purchases, and one supermarket in Durham City had amended the way it sold alcohol in a bid to prevent underage sales.  However, young people were being supplied with alcohol from home by their parents, and this needed to be addressed.

Councillor Jones supported challenges to license applications, particularly those for 24 hours licenses, which had an effect on the night time economy and policing and requested an update for the Panel on the Night Time Levy.  He added that the drugs symposium recently organised by the PCC provided useful information and he praised the quality of the speakers.

The PCC informed the Panel that he was supporting the work of Tony Hogg, PCC for Devon, who was seeking a change to Licensing legislation, and work which had been undertaken with balance in the North East had been provided to Tony Hogg.

Resolved:

That the report be noted