Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing, Councillor Patsy Ellis, Councillor Jane Kingman and Councillor Elvis Stooke.

None disclosed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2024 were proposed, seconded and AGREED.

(10:10 Councillor Paul Fellows arrived)

(10:10 – 10:20 adjournment)

Report from the Licensing Officer.

Decision

That the Premises Licence for the premise known as Indre Shop Ltd, 9A Bridge End Road, Grantham, NG31 6JW is revoked.

The Chairman confirmed who would be speaking in respect of the review before the Committee from Lincolnshire Police, PC Casey stated that she would be speaking in respect of the review.  It was confirmed that the Premises Licence Holder and the Designated Premises Supervisor was not present and it was believed that they had left the Country.

The Licensing Officer presented the report which concern a review of the premises licence for the premises known as Indre Shop Ltd, 9A Bridge End Road, Grantham.   An application to review the premises licence for Indre Shop Ltd, Grantham was received from Lincolnshire Police on 4 June 2024. 

The application for the review related to the undermining of the licensing objectives in respect of:

·       Prevention of crime and disorder

·       Public safety

·       Protection of Children from harm

The Police had advised that they had obtained evidence which indicated that the management of the premises were being operated in such a manner that amounted to criminal activity that undermined the licensing objectives – large scale cannabis plants were being grown within the disused ground floor shop area.  A notice was erected at the premises by the Licensing Authority regarding the review on 6 June 2024 and no representations had been received.

The current licence holder, Indre Adamkevicius had held the premises licence for the premises since 2016.  Mr Adamkevicius had previously been issued with a Police caution for admitting to committing licensing offences at the premises in 2016.  Section 136 offences (unauthorised licensable activities) and Section 144 Offences (keeping of smuggled goods on licenced premises).

The Police then made their representation and spoke of the significant concern they had that the facilities were being used for criminal activity that was undermining the licensing objectives.  The premises had been subject to two previous reviews in June and August 2016 which had resulted in a three month suspension resulting from failed test purchases and illegal cigarettes, foreign medicine and smuggled alcohol being encountered at the premises, along with several instances of non-compliance with licence conditions.  The Police made reference to both Section 136, Unauthorised Licensable Activities and Section 144, Keeping of Smuggled Goods of the Licensing Act 2003.  The Police had made numerous attempts to contact Mrs Indre Adamkevicius but without success.  Mr Adamkevicius continued to pay rent on the property where the cannabis plants had been found growing on the ground floor.  A wireless wifi system was in place which gave remote access to CCTV and enabled the plants to be watered remotely.  The plants were approximately three months old with an estimated value of between £21,500 - £75,000.   Members were referred to Appendix A and the statement given by PC Holmes and were reminded that cannabis was a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  Mrs Indre Adamkevicius was currently the Premises Licence Holder and the Designated Premises Supervisor and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

None.