Agenda item

All parties were welcomed to the meeting and following introductions, the procedures for the hearing was explained.  It was confirmed that all parties had received a copy of the relevant paperwork.

Introduction by the Licensing Officer

Mrs Rumney informed Members that Pit Stop operated under a premises licence which authorised the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 0900 hours and 2300 hours Monday to Sunday.  In November 2011 Thames Valley Police submitted an application for the review of premises licence on the grounds of the protection of children from harm. 

The review primarily related to alcohol being sold to a minor during a joint test purchase operation involving Council Trading Standards Officers,  Licensing Officers and Thames Valley Police.  It was noted that no representations had been made by any other responsible authorities. 

An outline of the relevant guidance and options available were highlighted for Members consideration.

Questions to the Licensing Officer

None

Representations on behalf of Thames Valley Police

Mrs Pearmain, Thames Valley Police Licensing Officer stated that a review had been sought following alcohol being sold to a minor during a test purchase operation on 13^th October 2011. No attempt was made to ask for any identification. CCTV footage was requested and a copy of the refusals register, both of which were not provided.   

It was requested that a number of conditions be placed on the premises licence and that the premises be issued with a ‘Yellow Card’ warning.

Questions to Thames Valley Police

Mrs Pearmain explained that the BottleWatch Scheme enabled the police to identify where alcohol had been purchased from as products were marked with a UV marker which was specific to that premise.   

Representations by the Premises Licence Holder

Mr Puri, representing Mr Vigg addressed the Sub-Committee and confirmed that the additional conditions proposed by Thames Valley Police were acceptable.  Mr Vigg stated that he had made an error of judgment and that he would ensure that rigorous checks were carried out in the future.  

Questions to the Premise Licence Holder

Mr Vigg stated that he had held a personal licence for three years.

Summing Up

A short summary was provided by all parties following which they left the meeting in order for the Sub-Committee to deliberate.

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.  Designated Premises Supervisor 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.

2.  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 that they are able to meet the four licensing objectives.

3.  Challenge 25 Policy to be in place.

4.  The Designated Premise Supervisor shall ensure 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 and made available upon the request of Police, Trading Standards or Slough Borough Council Licensing Officers.

5.  Two members of staff to be on the premises from 6.00pm until close.

6.  Refusals Register to be in place, kept up to date and made available upon request of Police, Trading Standards or Slough Borough Council Licensing Officers.

7.  To participate in Bottlewatch or UV marking scheme if requested by Police or Trading Standards.

The Sub Committee also agreed that the premises licence be suspended until conditions 1 to 7 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”. 

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