Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change regarding an application for the review of a Premises Licence in respect of Finnians, 7 Trafalgar Street, Consett (for copy see file of Minutes).

A copy of the application and supporting documentation had been circulated to all parties.

The Licensing Team Leader confirmed that an application had been received to transfer the Premises Licence by the landlord of the building. With the exception of the Applicants, no other parties were in attendance. The Solicitor representing the landlord had advised that she was available by telephone to answer any questions, and the Licensing Team Leader read out a further statement from the Solicitor.

Members were informed that the Premises Licence was currently suspended following a summary review hearing on 30 March 2022 when the DPS had been removed and the Premises Licence was suspended with immediate effect.

On behalf of Durham Constabulary Sgt Dickenson advised that the Police were confident that the landlord was not involved in the running of the premises and therefore would have no objection to the transfer application. There was currently no DPS in place and the building was in such disrepair it could take a number of months to be ready to re-open.

Members were informed that the premises would remain closed for some time for the repairs to be carried out but that the suspension would automatically lift after three months. The landlord did not intend to remain as Licence Holder once the business was ready to trade again, and an application would be submitted to vary the DPS.

Sgt Dickenson expressed reservations regarding the automatic lifting of the suspension after three months.

At 1.50pm the Sub-Committee Resolved to retire to deliberate the application in private. After re-convening at 2.00pm the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision. In reaching their decision Members had taken into account the report of the Licensing Team Leader, the representations of Durham Constabulary and those of the Solicitor for the landlord of the premises. The Sub-Committee had also taken into account the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and Section 182 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

Resolved:

That the Premises Licence be revoked.