Agenda item

All parties were welcomed to the meeting and the procedure for the meeting was outlined.  It was confirmed that all had received a copy of the relevant paperwork.

 

Introduction by the Licensing Manager

 

Mr Sims stated that Thames Valley Police had requested a review of the premises licence.  It was noted that the review related to the grounds relating to Crime and Disorder, and the Protection of Children from Harm.  A number of additional conditions were being requested for by the Police and that the Premises be served with a Yellow Card warning. 

 

An outline of the relevant guidance and policy was highlighted for Members consideration.

 

Questions to the Licensing Manager

 

None.

 

Representations made on behalf of Thames Valley Police

 

Mrs Pearmain, Thames Valley Police Licensing Officer stated that a review of the premises licence had been submitted due to:

 

·  Alcohol being sold to a 16 year old boy during a test purchase operation

·  Breach of Mandatory Condition 4 with regards to non compliance with age verification

·  The named Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) at the time alcohol was sold to an underage person was not at or on the premises.

 

An outline of the additional conditions requested by Thames Valley Police were highlighted, which included a reduction in the hours that alcohol could be sold and for the premises to participate in the Bottle Watch Scheme. 

 

Sergeant Piper, Town Centre Manager also addressed the Sub-Committee and stated that there was a significant problem in this area with regard to litter and anti-social behaviour.  It was noted that a Dispersal Order was enforced within the area and that this had been implemented due to the availability of cheap strong strength alcohol within the vicinity which had a direct impact on crime and disorder.

 

Mr Palacio, from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team provided Members with an explanation of the bottle watch scheme was.  Members were informed that cans of alcohol were marked with UV ink which would enable the responsible authorities to know where alcohol had been purchased from and if necessary take further steps with venues concerned. 

 

Questions to Thames Valley Police

 

None.

 

Representations made on behalf of the premises licence holder. 

 

Mr Chopra addressed Members of the Sub-Committee on behalf of Mr Sareen, the Premises Licence Holder.  It was noted that Mr Sareen had obtained the premises licence in November 2010 and that a number of steps had been taken since the test purchase including suspending the individual who had made the sale of alcohol to the underage individual.  The premises were also members of the Pub Watch Scheme and members of staff were made aware of the CCTV requirements and how footage was to be downloaded. 

 

It was brought to Members attention that this was the first occasion on which a review of the premises licence had been sought.  Mr Chopra confirmed that his client was in agreement for a terminal hour of 2300 hrs and that two members of staff would be at the premises from 1800 hrs until closing time.  A Challenge 21 Scheme was already in place at the premises.

 

Questions to the Premises Licence Holder

 

A Member asked when staff would receive the relevant training.  Mr Chopra stated that this was in the process of being implemented and it was anticipated that it would be completed within a week.  Mr Chopra confirmed that his client was aware of his obligations with regards to selling alcohol, especially refusing alcohol to individuals who were already intoxicated

 

Summary

 

The Licensing Officer outlined the options available to the Sub-Committee and reminded members that any conditions needed to be necessary and proportionate with regards to promoting the Licensing objectives. 

 

In summary Mrs Pearmain stated that in her view a suspension was appropriate in order for the conditions requested to be implemented. 

 

Mr Chopra, on behalf of Mr Sareen, stated that suspension was not an appropriate response and that his client was fully aware of his responsibilities. 

 

All parties were asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated.

 

Decision

 

All parties were asked to re-join the meeting.

 

Having carefully considered all the information submitted, the Sub-Committee decided that the following conditions be included on the premises licence:-

 

1.  Sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 0900 hours and 2300 hours.

 

2.  In the absence of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), a Personal Licence holder to be on the premises during the sale of alcohol.

 

3.  Two members of staff to be on the premises each evening from 1800 hours until close.

 

4.  Challenge 21 Policy to be in place.

 

5.  DPS or nominated person to be trained on how to work the CCTV system to the standard where the nominated person can download any potential evidence required by Thames Valley Police or relevant Agencies.

 

6.  To participate in ‘Bottlewatch’ or ‘UV Marker Scheme’ if requested by Police or Trading Standards.

 

7.  The applicant and their staff are able to converse with customers, the public and representatives of Statutory Agencies to a level that satisfies Police and Trading Standards they are able to meet the four licensing objectives.

 

8.  The Premises Licence holder or DPS shall ensure all staff receives training on a regular basis in relation to the four licensing objectives contained within the Licensing Act 2003 for those authorised to sell alcohol.  Written proof of all training shall be recorded and maintained.

 

9.  All persons trained to sell alcohol shall be trained to the BIIAB Level 1 award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR).

 

10.The Designated Premises Supervisor or nominated person to attend the local Town Centre Pubwatch scheme where in existence.

 

11.No single cans of alcohol to be sold.

 

The Sub Committee also agreed that the premises licence be suspended until conditions 1 to 11 as outlined above had been implemented and checked to the satisfaction of Thames Valley Police and the Licensing Authority. 

 

In accordance with Central Government guidance and due to the seriousness of the incident highlighted the Sub-Committee also decided to issue the premises with a “Yellow Card”.  It was highlighted that if a further review was necessary and matters had not improved, the premises licence could be revoked.

 

The Sub Committee considered the conditions imposed to be necessary, reasonable and proportionate to address concerns relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and protection of children from harm.