Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which gave details of an application for the variation of a Premises Licence in respect of Ferryhill Community Hub, Lambton Road, Ferryhill (for copy see file of Minutes).

A plan showing the location of the premises and a copy of the application form had been circulated to Members together with representations from residents and local Members.

Members were advised that following successful mediation with Durham Constabulary, the applicant had agreed to amend their application to reduce the hours for the sale of alcohol and to include additional conditions relating to the licensing objectives. Details were set out in the Mediation Document circulated to Members.

It was noted that there were no interested parties in attendance.

Mr Athey, the applicant addressed the Sub-Committee and stressed that he had 20 years unblemished experience in the licensing trade, 18 of which were in The Eldon Arms, Bishop Auckland. He was confident that he could manage The Hub without causing nuisance to neighbours.

In response to questions from Councillor Arthur, Mr Athey confirmed that CCTV would meet police criteria and that Challenge 25 would be in operation. He also stated that The Hub was a member of the Pub-watch Scheme.

Following a request for clarification from G Proud, Legal Officer, Mr Athey confirmed that the proposed hours were to 00:00 on Friday, Saturday, All Bank Holidays and New Years Eve, and to 23:30 on any other night.

At 10.10am the Sub-Committee left to deliberate the application in private. After reconvening at 10.15am the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision.

In determining the application, Members had considered the report of the Licensing Officer, the relevant provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, Section 182 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State and the Council’s Licensing Policy. The Sub-Committee had also taken into account the verbal representations of the applicant, and the written representations of residents and local Members.

Resolved:

(i)                 That the application for the variation of a Premise Licence be granted as follows:

(ii)               The following additional conditions be imposed on the licence:-

The Prevention of Crime and Disorder

• Challenge 25 will ensure only persons of lawful age will be able to purchase alcohol from our premises. Photo ID only (PASS logo card/photo driving licence/passport)
• Visual inspection and personal interaction with customer will enable staff to determine if the customer is fit to be sold alcohol. If staff believe that the person is intoxicated with drink or drugs they will be refused.
• CCTV will be installed and fitted to Home Office standards within the bar area and function room. A minimum of two cameras will be installed in each room. Recordings will be stored for a minimum of one month.
• A member of staff will be available at all times the premises are open to download CCTV footage when requested by an authorised officer.
• Notices will clearly be displayed at entrance and around the club stating CCTV is in operation.
• Persons known to be, or suspected of buying on behalf of children will be refused and reported to the Police.
• External lighting that has already been installed will be in full working order, including all lights within the main car park area.

Public Safety

• Designated smoking areas will be identified.
• Good housekeeping procedures will be put in place.
• The club will be an active member of Pubwatch and will attend meetings and join activities.
• Maintain an incident book and record and report all instances of disorder.

The Prevention of Public Nuisance

• Customers will not be permitted to take their drinks outside.
• Signs will be displayed encouraging customers to leave the premises quietly.
• A Written Constitution will be implemented solely for members accessing the bar/function room.

The Protection of Children from Harm

• Challenge 25 will be enforced. Refusals will be logged, along with any behaviour associated with the refusal.
• Children under the age of 11 will be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the main bar area after 21:00 hours.
• All children under the age of 18 must leave the main bar area by 22:00 hours.
• Persons known to be or suspected of buying on behalf of children will be refused and reported to the Police.
• Signs will be displayed and the club will adhere to the law regarding alcohol and children.
• If concerns arise about a child, the Police will be contacted for advice/assistance and the club will not make investigations or conclusions.