Council and democracy

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 Chair asked all parties if they had any requests, and it was noted that there were no requests.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report to Members of the Sub-Committee and in doing so explained an application had been received for a summary review of the premises licence in respect of Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane, Grays, RM16 2JU. This hearing was to consider any Interim Steps necessary to be taken.

Members, Essex Police and the applicant were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officer. There were none

The Licensing Officer for Essex Police addressed Members explaining that the application related to an incident at the Civic Hall during a boxing event on the evening of Saturday 7 March 2020, whereby a disturbance broke out within the crowd requiring 15 police units to attend. It was the opinion of Essex Police that the venue staff and management were not in control of the premises. He continued to advise Members that similar incidents had also occurred at the premises in August 2016, and September 2017. 

Members heard that as part of their application the Police were requesting as an interim step for a number of conditions to be imposed on the licence.

Members, Licensing Officer for the Local Authority and the application were given an opportunity to ask questions to Essex Police. There were none from the Licensing Officer and the applicant.

The applicant, Mike Baden Chief Executive of Impulse Leisure, firstly apologised to the Sub-Committee and commented that it was very disappointing to be in this situation.

He continued by stating that usually the Police were advised of all Boxing events held at the venue and he could only apologies that they were not in this case.  He further stated the he welcomed the interim steps suggested by the Police and assured Members and the Police that they were working to comply with all steps shortly.

Members, Essex Police and the Licensing Officer were given an opportunity to ask questions to the applicant. There were none from the Licensing Officer or Essex Police.

The Chair then moved on to closing summaries.

The Licensing Officer provided a short summary to the Sub-Committee. She remarked that Members of the Sub-Committee had heard submissions from both Licensing Officers and the Applicant.

The Licensing Officer for Essex Police said he had nothing further to add at this time.

The Applicant was given the opportunity to summary their case, during which the Chief Executive Impulse Leisure apologised for the incident.

The Chair asked if there were any further questions, there were none.

The Sub-Committee adjourned at 2.25pm for deliberation and were accompanied by the Legal Advisor and the Democratic Services Officer. 

The meeting reconvened at 2.32pm.

RESOLVED:

The Sub-Committee agreed to the interim steps suggested by Essex Police.