Agenda item

Following introductions, the Chair explained the procedure for the hearing and confirmed with all parties that they had received a copy of the paperwork. 

Introduction by the Licensing Manager

Members were informed that an application had been submitted by Mr AlSharif for a new premises licence to be known as Lebanese Flaming Grill at 2 Alpha Street, Slough.  The original application was made for the licensable activity of late night refreshment between the hours of 2300 hours and 0400 hours Monday to Sunday.  Following the submission of the application Thames Valley Police submitted a formal representation of objection to the application.

A mediation meeting was held with Thames Valley Police’s Licensing Officer, Slough Borough Council’s Senior Licensing Officer and Mr AlSharif.  The hours of operation applied for as well as additional steps to be put in place to promote the four Licensing Objectives were discussed.

Member were informed that the Police had requested to reduce the terminal hour for the provision of Late Night Refreshment from 04.00 hrs to 01.00 hrs and for a number of conditions to be added to the premises licence.

Following the mediation process, Mr Alsharif agreed for the additional conditions requested by Thames Valley Police to be added to the premises licence with the exception to the request for door supervision.  Following further consideration the Police agreed to remove the request for two door supervisors.

Members were advised that no agreement could be reached with regards to the hours of operation.  Mr AlSharif had submitted a proposal for reduced hours as a compromise;however Thames Valley Police did not accept the revised times which were as follows;

Sunday to Thursday 2300 hrs – 0200 hrs

Thursday to Saturday 2300 hrs – 0300 hrs.

It was noted that no further representations from responsible authorities or interested parties had been received.  Members were reminded of the relevant legislation and guidance that must be considered when determining the application. 

Questions to the Licensing Manager

None.

Representations made by the Applicant

In addressing the Sub-Committee Mr AlSharif stated that he had taken over responsibility for management of the venue in April 2011 and submitted that the majority of his business would take place after 0100 hrs.  It was stated that the request to provide late night refreshment until 0400 hrs only applied for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

It was clarified that no alcohol would be sold and that a CCTV system would be installed at the premises.  In addition an incident register would also be kept and the venue would be linked up to the Town Centre Radio.  Mr AlSharif submitted that a number of venues within the local vicinity operated until 0300 hrs. 

Questions to the Applicant

A Member requested clarification with regard to the hours of operation and Mr AlSharif stated that in his opinion, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays were likely to be the busiest days of the week hence the request to operate until 0400 hrs. Mr AlSharif stated that should an incident of antisocial behaviour occur, he would allow the individual/s concerned to have the food rather than cause further aggravation.  In addition Mr AlSharif reminded Members that should there be any problems associated with the venue, a review of the premises licence could be sought by any responsible authority. 

Representations on behalf of Thames Valley Police

Mrs Pearmain on behalf of Thames Valley Police explained why an objection to the premises application had been made.  It was stated that the area was a magnet for antisocial behaviour especially after 0100 hrs.  Allowing a premises licence to sell food until the early hours of the morning would undermine crime and disorder and public nuisance objectives as stated within the Licensing Act 2003. 

Members were provided with an account of the difficulties associated with the area by the Town Centre Manager, Sergeant Piper who stated that crime often occurred within this area and that he was very concerned about the possibility of another late night venue being allowed to serve food until the early hours of the morning.  It was stated that should Members be minded to approve the application further than 0200 hrs Thames Valley Police would request that door staff be a condition on the premises licence.

Questions to Thames Valley Police Representatives

A Member requested clarification with regards to the staggered hours policy within the High Street.  Sergeant Piper explained that whilst a staggered policy was in place, allowing for venues to close at different times, in reality the majority of people were congregating outside the venues and in the High Street.  It was reiterated that the possibility of another venue providing late night refreshment would exacerbate the difficulties within that area of the High Street. 

Summing Up

All parties were provided with an opportunity to provide a short summary after which they were asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated. 

Decision

All parties were asked to rejoin the meeting.

Resolved – That a Premises Licence be granted as follows:

Late Night Refreshment: Sundayto Wednesday - 2300 hours to 0000 hours.

.        Thursday to Saturday – 2300 hours to 0200 hours.

The Premises Licence was granted subject to the following additional conditions:

• To participate with the Town Centre Radio Scheme
• A nominated person is able to download any requested CCTV footage when requested by Thames Valley Police or the Licensing Authority
• An Incident Register to be maintained on the premises and all incidents of disorder at the premise and immediately outside to be recorded and the manager and member of staff involved to sign off each entry. The Incident Register to be kept for 2 years and made available to Thames Valley Police or the Licensing Authority when requested. 

Sub-Committee Members considered the conditions to be necessary, reasonable and proportionate to address concerns relating to crime and disorder and public safety.