Issue - meetings

To consider an application for a review of a Premises License at The British Queen, 21 Love Lane, London, N17.

The Licensing Officer, Ms Dale Barrett, explained that the review application was for a review of the premises licence held by Admiral Taverns, but that the tenant of the premises was Mr Roger Davis, whose name did not appear on the licence itself. Although not the licence holder, in the interest of justice the Committee was asked to allow Mr Davis to speak as the current tenant of the premises. This was permitted but he was not afforded the status of an interested party under the Licensing Act 2003. Ms Barrett advised that there was some late documentation for circulation to the Committee in respect of the enforcement history at the premises and a chronology of events, and the meeting was adjourned for 5 minutes to enable Mr Davis and his representative to familiarise himself with these documents.

Ms Barrett presented the report on the application for a review of the licence at the British Queen by local residents, being represented by Homes for Haringey, on the grounds of the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Residents had made representations in relation to noise nuisance at the premises and crime, disorder and public nuisance being caused by patrons congregating outside the premises and also the premises operating outside of the hours permitted under its licence. Representations on the review had been made by the Metropolitan Police and the Council’s Noise Team, and residents had submitted a diary of incidents in relation to the premises. Ms Barrett drew the Committee’s attention to the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, and the section 182 guidance in respect of reviews.

Jacob Secker, representing Homes for Haringey, addressed the Committee and advised that a review had been sought on the grounds outlined by Ms Barrett in her introduction. The issues had been discussed at a local residents’ meeting, and residents had voted to support the review. A letter had also been written to Paul Bridge, Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey, setting out residents’ concerns, and had been signed by 35 households. Mr Secker summarised the complaints received, most of which related to excessive noise coming from the premises and the number of occasions on which the police had been called in relation to activities at the premises. Mr Secker advised that the conditions imposed on the existing licence were not being complied with, and that residents wished for the licence to be suspended. In response to a question from Mr Davis, the tenant at the premises, Mr Secker cited the evidence produced in the document pack as proof that the premises had been operating beyond its permitted hours.

Cllr Amin, Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee to say that she had received numerous complaints from residents over the years  regarding noise and behaviour at the British Queen. Cllr Amin advised that she herself had witnessed large crowds of people outside the premises, and the litter left behind as a result, when visiting local residents, and supported  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16