Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rowlands and Councillor Turner for this meeting only.

Members are asked to declare an interest in matters for consideration at the meeting.

None declared.

                                                                                                            (Attached)

The minutes of the meeting held on 7th October were agreed as a correct record of the decisions taken.

Report ENV560 by the Community Safety and Licensing Service Manager.

(Attached)

Decision

That the application for a premises licence for Quick Shopper, 59-61 Bridge End Road, Grantham be approved subject to the supply of alcohol hours being Monday to Sunday 06.00am - midnight as agreed with Lincolnshire Police.

It was confirmed that neither the applicant nor Lincolnshire Police would be attending the meeting.

The Licensing Officer referred to report ENV560 which concerned an application for a premise licence for Quick Shopper, 59-61 Bridge End Road, Grantham.  The previous licence holder had gone bankrupt and the applicant had asked for the existing premise licence to be transferred him. However, as this had not been transferred within a 7 day period a new premise licence had to be applied for.    The opening hours were for Monday – Sunday 00.00 – 24.00 and the sale of alcohol Monday – Sunday 00.00 – 24.00.  One representation had been received from a responsible body, Lincolnshire Police. They felt that the content of the application was insufficient to secure the intended protection of the licensing objectives.  A meeting was held between the applicant, Lincolnshire Police and the Licensing Officer and an agreement reached with regards to the hours for the supply of alcohol. Following the agreement both parties felt that a hearing was unnecessary.

Having considered the representation made and the agreement of both parties it was proposed, seconded and the Committee unanimously agreed to approve the premise licence for Quick Shopper, 59-61 Bridge End Road, Grantham subject to the amended hours for the sale of alcohol (6.00am to midnight) as agreed with Lincolnshire Police.

Report ENV852 from the Community Safety and Licensing Service Manager.

(Attached)

Decision:

That the decision of the Committee be adjourned until the first Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Committee in February 2012 to allow Mr Livingston to transfer the premise licence to the new owners and remove the Designated Premises Supervisor.

The Solicitor to the Council confirmed those people present and who would be speaking with regard to the application: Mr Richardson Lincolnshire Police Solicitor, PC Dale Walker the Police Licensing Officer for the South Kesteven area and Inspector Rod Rose and Sue Curtis from the Member Legal Department of Lincolnshire Police (observer) and Mr Mark Livingston, the current premises supervisor of 90 degrees and Zoe Millar, the Designated Premises Supervisor for 90 degrees.

LICENSING OFFICER’S REPORT

The Licensing Officer confirmed with those present that they had received the late evidence circulated and that both parties were happy for the Committee to go ahead.  All parties agreed.

The Licensing Officer informed the Committee that the review of the premise had been requested by Lincolnshire Police as they believed that three of the licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and protection of children from harm were being undermined.  They were seeking to have the licence revoked or, if the Committee did not feel the need for revocation, that stringent conditions be attached to the licence. The Licensing Officer then outlined recent events that had highlighted the concerns of the police. 

The police had cited a number of incidents regarding underage drinking and drinks promotions, together with the failure of the CCTV, however, between the review being applied for and the writing of the report the Licensing Officer confirmed that the CCTV had been upgraded to the satisfaction of the police and the police confirmed this was correct. 

Meetings had been held prior to the drinks promotion between Mr Livingston, the police and the Licensing Officer to discuss whether the drinks promotion fell into the irresponsible drinks promotion category. It was decided that the promotion could proceed as long as people did not consume too much alcohol and only if incidents occurred would the police take further action.

Meetings had been held with Mr Livingston, Inspector Rod Rose and a member of the Licensing Team whenever the police felt there was a problem with the premises and on each occasion agreement had been agreed. Mr Livingston had sold the premises and agreed to transfer the premises licence but the police were not confident that this would happen. Lincolnshire Police wanted Mr Livingston to transfer the premises to the new owners so that they had an opportunity to check the new owners against their records.

Mr Livingston felt that the police action was personal and therefore wanted the issue to be heard by the Licensing Committee. 

LINCONSHIRE POLICE REVIEW

Mr Richardson, the police solicitor then presented the police’s case. He highlighted various factors including the sale of alcohol to under 18s, the challenge age policy, the management of the premises, as the police saw it the irresponsible drinks promotion, a serious  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The meeting closed at 1.07pm.