Wirral Council councillors ban filming at public meeting to decide on alcohol licence for Michaels of Moreton shop

                                 

Here is a transcript of what happened today at the Licensing Act 2003 subcommittee meeting. The video of it is below the transcript. Didn’t Councillor Phil Davies state once that the Labour administration was “open and transparent” or has their policy changed on such things?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
Can I ask that people make sure that their mobile phones are switched off? It’s very important. I’ll also advise you that there’s not a fire drill today so if the alarm does go off, the fire exit is there and march through to the car park over there.

OK, my name is Councillor Steve Niblock, I’m Chair of the Subcommittee this morning. Either side are my councillor colleagues who will be making the decision regards the application. As a preliminary matter, you will be aware that a member of the public is filming these proceedings and I’m going to ask all those present whether they are happy with that to continue and if they are not then the filming will have to stop. So it’s entirely a matter for yourselves as to whether or not these proceedings are filmed. Are you happy? You’re happy.

UNKNOWN 1
I’m happy.

UNKNOWN 2
Can I ask the purpose of the filming please?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
I have no idea.

KEN ABRAHAM (legal advisor to the Subcommittee)
If you have got a question to be raised probably we could bring Mr Brace in?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
I wasn’t going to bring a member of the public in to the proceedings, that they’re not really here as part of the Committee and the proceedings. They’re on camera and I have no idea whether actually I can bring them into the Committee proceedings of the Subcommittee you know as you should know I struggle with that.

KEN ABRAHAM (legal advisor to the Subcommittee)
I appreciate that Chair, ok.

UNKNOWN 2
If I don’t know the purpose of it, I’m quite unhappy for filming.

KEN ABRAHAM (legal advisor to the Subcommittee)
I accept that.

JOHN BRACE
Shall I answer his question as to how?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
Sorry?

JOHN BRACE
Shall I answer his question as to how?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
No!

JOHN BRACE
OK.

COUNCILLOR HARRY SMITH
So we’ve said it like that.

UNKNOWN 3
Could you repeat the question?

UNKNOWN 2
Are you happy for the proceedings to be filmed?

UNKNOWN 3
Yes.

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
Can I ask you to stop filming?

JOHN BRACE
I’m not actually filming that side, so I’m just…

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
Well I’m sorry but I’m asking you to stop!

JOHN BRACE
I want to ask.

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
There’s been no discretion

JOHN BRACE
I know.

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
for somebody, excuse me, there’s been an objection, I am asking you to stop filming!

JOHN BRACE
Can I just ask you what your legal power is to stop filming?

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
No I’m sorry. I have asked you, you need to stop filming. That means stop now!

JOHN BRACE
OK.

COUNCILLOR STEVE NIBLOCK
Stop now!

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