The Licensing Committee of the Council of the Isles of Scilly was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the appointment of a Licensing Sub-Committee for the administrative year 2026-27.

Appointment of a Licensing Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Licensing Sub-Committee for the administrative year 2026-27. The report outlining this item detailed the proposed terms of reference for the sub-committee. These terms included that the sub-committee would consist of any three members drawn from the Licensing Committee, all of whom must have undergone specific 'licensing training' provided by the Council. The appointment of these three members, along with a fourth reserve member, was to be made by the Senior Officer: Licensing for administrative reasons.

The powers of the Licensing Sub-Committee were to be restricted to making decisions on applications made under the Licensing Act 2003 or the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. For matters pertaining to the Licensing Act 2003, proceedings would be held in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, with the Council's Standing Orders applying where these regulations were silent.

The report explained that it is customary for licensing authorities to annually establish such a sub-committee to discharge the authority's business concerning decisions that arise from relevant representations. These decisions typically relate to applications for premises licences, provisional statements, variations to premises licences, transfers of premises licences, reviews of premises licences, and applications for club premises certificates and personal licences. The report noted that in most cases, these applications do not raise concerns with statutory consultees or the public, and therefore do not require consideration by a sub-committee. However, in instances where relevant representations are received that cannot be mediated, a hearing by the sub-committee is necessary to decide the outcome.

The report stressed the importance of relevant training for members serving on the Licensing Sub-Committee, stating that completion of such training is a prerequisite. Additional direct advice would also be provided by relevant officers for each specific hearing. The report also outlined the appeal process for applicants who have their applications turned down or have unwanted conditions imposed, noting that they can apply to a Magistrates' Court within 21 days of the written decision. The report indicated that there were no financial implications arising from the recommendation, and that legal implications were summarised within the report, highlighting the importance of adequate arrangements for the correct administration of hearings under the Licensing Act 2003.

The meeting was also scheduled to include the election of a Chairman and Vice Chairman for the ensuing year, declarations of interest, and the consideration of the draft minutes from the previous meeting held on 20 January 2026. There was also an item for urgent matters.