Minutes:
The Sub-Committee considered an application under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003 by Durham Constabulary for the summary review of a Premises Licence in respect of Union/K2, 7-9 Front Street, Consett. A copy of the application and certificate had been circulated.
The Licensing Team Leader reported that the Police had requested that the application be considered in private in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.
Members considered the request and determined that due to the serious nature of the matters under consideration, the public should be excluded from the hearing on the grounds that the public interest in doing so outweighed the public interest in the hearing taking place in public.
Members heard from Sgt Caroline Dickenson on behalf of the Applicants and the Premises Licence Holder Mr James McDonald. All parties were given the opportunity to ask questions.
At 3.50pm Members Resolved to retire to deliberate the application in private. After re-convening at 4.05pm the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision. In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee considered the summary review application by Durham Constabulary and the verbal representations of the Police and the Premises Licence Holder. Members also took into account the provisions of Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, and the interim steps available to them.
Resolved:
That the DPS be removed and the Premises Licence be suspended with immediate effect, pending a full review hearing within 28 days.