Issue - meetings

Daliah Barrett, Licensing Officer, introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.

Sarah Greer, Enforcement Officer, introduced the application for a review of the premises licence, as set out in the agenda.

The Committee referred to page 35 of the agenda and questioned whether the licence permitted the supply of alcohol on or off the premises. In response, it was confirmed that it should have stated that the supply of alcohol was permitted both on and off the premises.

The Committee also questioned whether the playing of music was permitted at the premises, as the playing of loud music had been raised by local residents in their representation. In response, it was confirmed that the premises did not have a licence for music. It was also noted that the Premises Licence Holder had changed the layout of the venue and rented an area out, which was being used for dance events. The Licensing Officer explained that this was a new area and therefore was not covered by the existing licence.

In response to a question regarding the 2 gaming machines, it was explained that the Premises Licence Holder had not paid the annual fee and therefore their premises gaming machine permit was no longer valid. Ms Barrett added that the machines that were located in the premises were illegal and not permitted within the UK.

Discussion took place regarding the dates in June that the premises had operated during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Ms Greer confirmed that she had visited the premises on both the 5^th and 12^th June when the premises had been open to the public and a prohibition notice had been issued on the second visit.

In response to a question regarding the playing of cards at the venue, as referenced on page 21 of the agenda, it was reported that although there were previous suspicions regarding this activity, there was no evidence of any money changing hands during that visit.

The Committee sought further clarification regarding the new area created within the venue and it was confirmed that no application or notification had been submitted to the licensing authority to alter the space or change the operation.

The Premises Licence Holder’s representative outlined his case. The representative stated that during the two visits to the premises referred to by the Ms Greer, Mr Toprak was not in attendance as he had hospital appointments and had asked his friend to manage the premises on his behalf. He added that this friend had not been fully aware of the rules.

Mr Toprak explained that during lockdown he had received no help from the Government and had struggled to pay his rent on the premises. He had therefore rented the back area of the premises to a friend to generate some income. Mr Toprak added that he had told his friend not to open this area during lockdown but he had not listened to him.

In response, Ms Greer confirmed that on both occasions in June  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5