Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Chairman sought confirmation that all those present were in possession of and had read the report of the Director of Customers and Community along with Appendices A to D and the supplementary information circulated.  Introductions were made at this point.

The Licensing Lead Officer outlined the application submitted to review the Premises Licence for Warwick Arms, 185 High Street, Maldon, by Essex Police Licensing on the grounds of all four of the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm, having regard to the representations received and the requirement to promote the four licensing objectives.  It was noted that the consultation period had been extended after the Licensing Authority was made aware of a letter sent to all residents assuring anyone who made representation that they would be granted anonymity.

The Chairman invited the applicant, Mr Nigel Dermott of Essex Police Licensing, to make his opening statement to the Committee.  Mr Dermott advised that some of the representations received had made reference to parking which was not part of this application.  Mr Dermott then took the Committee through his submitted statement of truth and referred to a number of intelligence items which had been received by the Police in relation to the Warwick Arms.  It was noted that there had been a considerable number of complaints received from the local community and a lot of partnership work had been undertaken to try and resolve these.

Ms Emily Saffill advised that they had recently employed a doorman, following recommendation from the Police, who was uniformed and worked Friday and Saturday nights.

A location plan, submitted with the original Licensing application, was made available for all present to see following some queries regarding the premises and the land within its ownership.  There was some discussion regarding an accommodation building to the rear of the premises and the Committee were informed that this was no longer owned by the Licence holders.  Mr Dermott highlighted some issues that had occurred in the yard which may have been alleviated if the rear of the yard outside the premises could have been closed off.

In response to a number of questions Ms Emily Saffill provided the Committee with information regarding her role as Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), the operation of the premises and the changes that had been implemented following advice / visits from the Police. 

In response to a question regarding the weight that should be given to the Police evidence, Mr Dermott advised that this hearing was based on the balance of probability and referred the amount of intelligence received regarding drugs etc. relating to the premises.  He clarified that intelligence could be telephone calls, information received by Officers out on patrol, emails, etc., but each one was graded with regards to its content accuracy and the person giving the intelligence.

Some further information was provided at this point in response to questions from Members and an update provided by the Police in respect of a former employee of the premises.