Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no substitutes at the meeting.

It was unanimously

          RESOLVED:

          That Councillor David Bimson be elected as Chairman.

Report No: LSC/FH/15/003

(a)                 Application for the Review of a Premises Licence in respect of The Maids Head, Kingsway, Mildenhall

The Lawyer welcomed all present to the Hearing, reported that no declarations of interest had been received and introductions to the Panel were made by the Chairman.

The following parties were present at the Hearing:

(a)        Applicant

(i)          Mr S Elliott-Smith, Licensing Officer, Suffolk Constabulary

(ii)         PC A Garnham, Suffolk Constabulary

(iii)        Sgt J Miah, Suffolk Constabulary

(b)     Respondent

(i)      Mr P Arnold, Business Development Manager, Greene King

(ii)     Mr D Butterworth, Licensing & Security Compliance Manager

(iii)        Ms L Malone, Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) of The Maids Head, Mildenhall

(iv)       Mr M Mannion, HR and Operations Director, Greene King

(v)        Mr D Sharp, Norfolk Area Manager, Regency Security

(vi)       Mr D Stewart, East Counties Area Manager, Regency Security

(vii)      Mr P Warne, Associate, TLT Solicitors

(c)     Interested Parties

          (i)      Mr P Finn, resident

          (ii)     Mrs Z Finn, resident

(iii)       Mrs G Poymor, resident

The Licensing Officer presented the report which explained that an application had been received from Suffolk Constabulary to review the premises licence for The Maids Head, Kingsway, Mildenhall.  A copy of the application was attached at Appendix 1, together with a copy of the current licence at Appendix 3 and a map showing the immediate area at Appendix 4.

The grounds for the review were an increase and ongoing rise in crime and disorder at the premises, high levels of intoxication and significant weaknesses of the management of the premises to uphold the licensing objectives.  The police evidence and statements were attached at Appendices 2 and 2A. 

A number of representations (including a petition) had been received in respect of the application, all of which were attached as Appendices 5 through to 25.

Lastly, the Solicitor acting on behalf of The Maids Head had submitted supporting documentation after the agenda was published, which included a proposed operating schedule, and this had been circulated under separate cover.

Having regard to the application submitted by Suffolk Constabulary the Sub-Committee could take any of the steps set out below, provided they were proportionate and appropriate for the promotion of the four licensing objectives:

1.                   Take no action

2.                   Modify the conditions of the licence

3.                   Exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the license

4.                   Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

5.                   Revoke the licence

In making their decision, Members were also advised to consider the Licensing Act 2003, the Guidance on the Act and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. 

The Sub-Committee then heard the individual submissions from each of the parties present.

In jointly presenting the case for the applicant Sgt J Miah and Mr Elliott-Smith explained the reasons as to why the review had been instigated following a large-scale disorder incident at the premises on 29 May 2015.  Whilst the Constabulary appreciated that some issues had been inherited by the current DPS from the previous (prior to April 2015) management, the amount of crime and disorder taking place was significant, with incidents occurring most weekends. 

Reference was made to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.