Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Economy and Public Protection

REASON FOR URGENCY

To consider an application from the Police for a Premises Licence summary review within appropriate timescales.

The Executive Director for Economy and Public Protection submitted a report (previously circulated) which invited Members to consider an application from Durham Constabulary for a summary review of the ‘Highland Laddie’ Premises Licence. The Licencing Manager spoke to this report and outlined that this meeting had been called on the grounds of serious crime and disorder, which undermines the crime and disorder licensing objective.

The Licencing Manager introduced the previously submitted report to the Committee, explicated the process to those in attendance, and outlined the powers of the Committee. Furthermore, the officer provided an overview of the incident which caused this review to be called – and detailed the ongoing police action in relation to this.

The Licencing Manager then informed Members of their options in relation to the Licence review, those being:

· modification of the conditions of the premises licence;

· the exclusion of the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the licence;

· removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence; and

· suspension of the licence.

The Durham Constabulary Sergeant provided further information to the Committee and responded to questions on the review thereon.

The Licensee also provided details to the Committee, and responded to questions posed by Members in relation to the review.

RESOLVED – That the Licence be suspended for 6 weeks, during which time the Licensee must ensure staff receive full training and all relevant documentation must be updated. Additionally, the premises will be subjected to a minimum of 3 random checks by Licencing Enforcement Officers to ensure that the stated conditions are being abided by.