Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Dorset Police for an expedited review of the premises licence, following the implementation of interim steps to suspend the licence and remove the designated premises supervisor, and determine whether the interim steps should be withdrawn or modified.

Attendance:

From BCP Council:

Sarah Rogers – Senior Licensing Officer

Nananka Randle – Licensing Manager

Michelle Fletcher

Johanne McNamara – Senior Solicitor

Sarah Culwick – Democratic Services Team Lead

On behalf of Dorset Police:

Sergeant Gareth Gosling – Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction Team

Louise Busfield – Licensing Officer

The Chairman opened the meeting, made introductions and explained the procedure for the hearing, to which all parties agreed. The Sub-Committee were asked to consider an application by Dorset Police for an expedited review of the premises licence for Bar 7, 702 Christchurch Road, following the implementation of interim steps to suspend the licence and remove the designated premises supervisor, and to determine whether the interim steps should be withdrawn or modified.

The Sub-Committee were advised that the licence holder had indicated that they would be surrendering the licence, although formal notification had yet to be received.

Further to the report circulated within the agenda the Sub-Committee were provided with a copy of the following further evidence from Dorset Police:

·         Witness Statement from Louise Busfield, Police Licensing Officer

• Photographs of the front aspect, pavement, doorway of Bar 7.

Sergeant Gosling and Ms Busfield responded to questions from the Sub-Committee and the Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee in relation to the evidence presented, before the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision.

RESOLVED that having considered the revised information from Dorset Police and the Licensing Team and the Licence Holders indication to surrender the licence in these circumstances the Committee consider this is insufficient for these premises. Having considered the written and verbal representations from Dorset Police in relation to its application for an expedited review and the certificate under section 53A 1 (b) of the Licensing Act 2003, the Sub-Committee confirm the removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence, and that the suspension is now upgraded to revocation on the grounds of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.  

Reasons for Decision:

The Sub-Committee felt it necessary to revoke the premises licence due to the consistent failure to adhere to the conditions of the licence despite continuous help from the Police and Licensing Authority. The Sub-Committee has no confidence that the premises is able to operate in accordance with the licensing objectives.

Right of Appeal:

The Legal Advisor reported that all parties to the application have the right to Appeal to the Magistrates Court within the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the applicant is notified by the Licensing Authority of the decision in writing.