Appeal for new forum members
The local licensing forum is appealing for new members. If you are keen to support the safe and regulated sale of alcohol, and if you are interested in the impact of licensing decisions in your area, then you may want to be part of the local licensing forum.
If you are interested please see more information below.
North Lanarkshire Council is required under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 to establish a Local Licensing Forum.
The role of the forum
The forum's role is to review the licensing board's decisions on liquor licensing and consider what these will mean for the community. The forum gives advice and makes recommendations to the licensing board. The forum cannot, however, comment on particular cases.
The forum considers the implications of relevant local data and statistics provided by appropriate organisations. The forum also identifies key licensing issues that affect North Lanarkshire and develops advice on how to address them. In addition, the form responds to consultation exercises undertaken by the Licensing Board and the Scottish Government.
Membership
There should be not be less than five or more than 20 members and should be made up of representatives from key areas in the community:
- holders of premises licences and personal licensee(s)
- the chief constable for the area
- people working in health, education or social work
- young people
- people who live in the area
At least one of the members must be a Licensing Standards Officer.
Current members:
- J Birch
- C Brannigan
- P Downie
- W Fachie (Chair)
- K Gray
- J King
- W Lees (Vice Chair)
- A McVey
- A Myles
- Sergeant G Rankin (or representative)
- A Sarwar
- I Sharkey (or representative)
Liaison arrangements
The Head of Legal and Democratic Solutions is the first point of contact for enquiries from the forum regarding how they carry out their duties. He/she will also pass on any advice or recommendations by the forum to the licensing board.
The forum must meet at least four times every year. It must also meet with North Lanarkshire's licensing board.
Copies of the agendas for meetings of the forum can be obtained on the our minutes agendas and reports system (MARS).
Information for new forum members
We are looking for new members with the following skills and qualities:
- the ability to contribute to group discussions
- enthusiasm
- commitment
- teamwork
Membership of the Local Licensing Forum is an unpaid role, but reasonable travel expenses will be paid.
You can find more information about being a forum member from Alcohol Focus Scotland or from Archie Aitken, Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) by email at aitkena@northlan.gov.uk
Application form for new forum members
If you are interested in being a new forum member please complete the application form below. Your completed application form must be returned to Andrew Rose, Democratic Services Manager by email to rosean@northlan.gov.uk by Friday 3 November 2023.
