To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Officer informed that Committee that an application has been received for a review of the Premises licence at the Lounge Bar, Unit 4, Lakeside Business Village, Fleming Road, Chafford Hundred, Essex RM16 6YA. The review relates to two of the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Crime and Disorder and Public Safety.  During the consultation a further representation has been received from the Licensing Authority in relation to the four Licensing Objectives.

On 7^th July 2016, an application for a Review was received from Chief Inspector Leigh Norris, of Essex Police, Grays Police Station, Grays, Essex, RM17 5BX. 

Members were informed that there has also been a representation received from the Licensing Authority.

Since the review application was made, an application to transfer the premises licence and vary the DPS has been made and accepted.

The Representative from Essex police was invited to the committee to make a statement, Members were that the application for Review related to the following licensing objectives.

Prevention of Crime and Disorder

·                                   Recent visits to the premise have disclosed that on two separate occasions a number of conditions of the Premises Licence were not being complied with.

·                                   On 22^nd May 2016, CCTV from the premise shows that sales of alcohol were taking place more than one hour after the terminal hour for the sale

                  Public Safety

·                                   On 22^nd May 2016 a very serious incident took place at the premise when three customers were seriously injured following a number of fights. Two of these customers received stab wounds whilst the third suffered various fractures to his face. All three were recorded as GBH

The Responsible authority was invited to the committee to make a statement in doing so the following points were raised:

·             Following the incident in the early hours of 22 May 2016 (which would be classed as the Saturday night for the purposes of the licence), I reviewed the CCTV provided to me by Essex Police, specifically for the period of 01:30 – 02:00.  As set out in the Police’s evidence, it is clear that the premises is open and trading.  There are staff serving behind the bar, money can be seen changing hands indicating that sales are still taking place and customers can be seen dancing which would suggest that music of some description is being played.

·             Additionally, I attach a statement from Tony Spackling, Principal Health & Safety Officer which provides further evidence of the premises continuing to trade past their permitted hours.

·         Carrying on a licensable activity (such as selling alcohol) otherwise than under and in accordance with a licence is an offence under s.136 Licensing Act 2003 which upon prosecution could lead to unlimited fine and/or up to six months in prison.

·         As can be seen from the Op Benison inspections carried out by Essex Police (Exhibits MJH/1, MJH/2, ASC/01& ASC/02) along with PC Hatfield and PC Colbear’s statements there has also been a continued failure by the premises do adhere to the conditions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.