Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

It was confirmed that items marked Part 1 would be considered in public and items marked Part 2 would be considered in private.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report advising the Sub-Committee that the application before members was for a premises licence for Hale End Close for the off-sales of alcohol.  The Sub-Committee was informed that the application had been advertised in accordance with standard procedures and there had been 3 representations received objecting to the licence being granted on crime and disorder and public nuisance.

The Sub-Committee heard from the applicant's agent who advised that the business would be small as storage facilities at the premises were limited.  There would be no large delivery vehicles coming to the site as the applicant would be collecting the alcohol from his suppliers and making deliveries himself.   If the business was successful the applicant would have to look for alternative premises but at this initial stage it would be a one person business, selling small amounts of alcohol.

To help the Sub-Committee the applicant's agent suggested an additional condition to restrict the hours for alcohol being brought to the premises by the license holder to Monday to Saturday between 8 am - 6 pm and Sunday 9 am - 4 pm.

The officer from the Environment Protection Unit advised that their objection was around the licence objective of prevention of public nuisance.  This was due to the location of the premises within a block of flats and operating 24 hours 7 days a week. There were no procedures in place to prevent customers from finding the licence holders address and turning up to purchase alcohol at all times of the day and night. 

The Chairman of the Eastcote Conservation Panel addressed the meeting stating that there were a number of questions about the operation that had not been answered.  The Conservation Panel's concerns were in relation to the business operating 24/7 and the disturbance this may cause to residents.

Cllr Nick Denys addressed the meeting explained that the application would change the nature of the property and there was the potential for the business to grow. There were concerns that the premises would turn into a wholesalers causing additional disruption to residents.  

In answer to a question raised the applicant's agent advised that there would be a minimum delivery requirement and delivery would be immediate if stock was available.  It was expected that the business would operate within a twenty mile radius of the premises.

Each party gave their closing remarks following which all parties were asked to leave the room whilst the sub-committee made their decision.

The Sub-Committee considered all the representation made and decided not to grant the licence.

Resolved - That the Sub-Committee refused to grant the licence.

The Licensing officer introduced the report to the Sub-Committee explaining that this review hearing followed an application by the Metropolitan Police dated 2 December 2014 for a summary review of the Premises Licence of the Blue Lagoon, Hayes. An expedited review hearing had been held on the 4 December 2014 under section 53B of the Act.  At that meeting the Sub-Committee imposed an interim step of adding an additional nine conditions to the current premises licence as listed in the decision notice found on pages 75-76 of the agenda.

Acting Police Sergeant (APS) Ian Wares introduced the application and stated that recent incidents at the Premises had brought about this application. The Sub-Committee were informed that the new owners had taken over the licence on 23 September 2014 and there had been three incidents since this time. APS Ian Wares stated that he believed that the management team at the Blue Lagoon were not in full control of the Premises. He also felt that the there should be a better booking system in place at the premises to ensure they had control over private parties. APS Ian Wares also raised concerns that there had been no contact with the Designated Premises Supervisor.

The Sub-Committee were informed that since the interim steps were introduced on the 4 December 2014, the Police had carried out three compliance checks at the Premises. On 5 and 19 December 2014 there were no breaches found, however on the 12 December 2014 there were two breach of the licence conditions.  As such a section 19 closure notice was served, the premises was voluntarily closed.

AP S Ian Wares noted that Licence Holders had been trying hard but felt that they lacked experience. As such he recommended that the Sub-Committee imposed the interim steps imposed on the Licence on a permanent basis. However there were still concerns over the Designated Premises Supervisor and welcomed the application that had been submitted by the Licence Holder to change this.

On behalf of the Responsible Authority, Mr Shabeg Nagra stated the permanent imposition of the Interim Steps was fully supported, as there were concerns about the recent incidents and some of the previous management practices.

Ms Waterford a witness for the responsible authority advised the sub-committee that during a visit to the Premises on 29 November 2014, there were some public safety concerns at the Premises. This prompted a referral and a subsequent visit by a Fire Inspector, although there were some concerns, these had now been rectified by the Licence Holder and the Premises was now compliant with fire safety regulations.

It was noted that concerns in relation to the booking system for private functions, had been  taken on board by the licence holder  and measures had been implemented measures to help with booking and management of events in future.

Mr Meens clarified the reference in the report on page 85 of the Agenda and to an old condition that may suggest that alcohol could only be consumed ancillary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.