Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Gilbert and J Goddard.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests in any item on the agenda

Councillor B Dykes declared a personal interest in respect of the business of the meeting, on the grounds that he was a Local Ward Member.

To consider conditions that the Licensing Authority has imposed on the Premises Licence as an interim measure, together with representations in relation to these measures.

Officers Present

Mrs K Khan                Solicitor

Miss C Kerr              Licensing Officer

Mrs J Zientek            Democratic Services Officer

In attendance

Mr J Coen, Solicitor, Ford & Warren Solicitors, on behalf of the Premises Licence Holder, Punch Taverns

Mr C Bailey-Gibbs, Trainee, Ford & Warren Solicitors

Mr D Smethurst, Police Licensing Officer

Mr J Hodson, Tenant, White Horse, Pillory Street, Nantwich

The Committee considered a report which detailed an application made by Cheshire Police for a summary review of the Premises Licence of the White Horse, Pillory Street, Nantwich, under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003.  On 29^th April 2009, the Licensing Authority had imposed conditions on the Premises Licence as interim steps.  Representations in relation to the interim steps had subsequently been received from the Premises Licence holder, and a response to these representations had been received from Cheshire Police.

Mr Coen and Mr Smethurst made representations with respect to the interim steps.

After a full hearing and in accordance with the rules of procedure, the Chairman of the Committee reported that after taking account of all the evidence, including the oral representations and the written submissions of interested parties, the following course of action had been agreed.

RESOLVED

(a)  That condition one in relation to a minimum age of 21 for entry to the premises, imposed as an interim step, be withdrawn.

(b)  That condition two, imposed as an interim step, be modified to read: “That a ‘Challenge 21’ proof of age scheme shall be in operation in relation to all sales of alcohol.”

Members were mindful that this decision was made on the basis of the evidence before them and that they would approach any further decision at any future hearing with an open mind and on the basis of evidence presented to them at such a hearing.

Councillor P Whiteley (Chairman)