Decision details

Section 20 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (the Act) empowers local authorities to require sanitary facilities to be made available for the use of the public in “relevant places” defined under the Act including “places used for the sale of food and drink to members of the public for consumption at the place”. The Act gives the local authority the power to require the owner/occupier to provide sanitary accommodation of specific kinds and number, in a specified time. 

The Council currently does not have an approved policy on this matter. As such, officers of the Environmental Health Section can only recommend good practice where they find a food business where seating is provided and there are no toilets. Very few complaints are received from the public about this issue but it is felt that the situation in Broxtowe should be regularised, even if that means simply maintaining the current position of officers just giving “best practice” advice.

The Committee considered a number of options with regard to toilet provision and agreed that initial consultation would allow for members to reach a more informed decision.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor P Lally and seconded by Councillor R D MacRae that consultation be undertaken prior to a decision. On being put to the meeting, the amendment was carried.

RESOLVED that consultation take place with existing food and drink premises and the public prior to further consideration by the Committee.