Hitchin features prominently in the annual licensing report, which will be scrutinized by Councillors this evening at a meeting in the council chambers in Letchworth.

The report provides a comprehensive summary of performance statistics, project updates, service improvements, and future challenges for the council's licensing service.

This formal meeting allows the Committee to discuss and provide feedback on the service's progress and operations.

The licensing service merged with the community safety service in November 2022, creating what they describe as "a more integrated approach to public safety in the district".

Hitchin hosted several high-profile events over the last year, including the Noughty 90s festival, Abode Halloween, and a series of other concerts at the Priory.

The number of licensing inspections across the district saw a significant increase, with 443 inspections conducted—more than double the previous year and a substantial rise from the pre-Covid total of 106 in 2019-2020.

This rise is attributed to "better recording, a new inspection regime, and having a full team of officers," according to the report that Councillors will review tonight.

The report notes an encouraging trend: the number of new businesses starting in North Hertfordshire has outpaced those lost due to the pandemic and subsequent economic challenges.

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Temporary event notices now exceed pre-pandemic levels, signalling a robust recovery for the local business community.

A new Women and Girls Safety Charter for licensed premises in North Hertfordshire has been developed and is set to launch before Christmas.

Hitchin Pub Watch has expressed support for the initiative, which aims to enhance safety for women and girls in the district.

The meeting will take place tonight at 7:30 pm and will be live-streamed on the NHDC YouTube channel.