Agenda, decisions and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 6 October 2020 be confirmed and signed.

None declared.

In the matter of the application for a Premises Licence, the Committee has considered the relevant representations made.

The Committee has made the following determination:

With a view to ensuring the promotion of the licensing objectives, in accordance with the provisions of the statutory guidance and the principles of our licensing policy, the application for a premises licence was GRANTED between the hours of 12 noon and 11pm subject to a door supervisor being employed for the duration while the business is open to the public and the following 31 conditions being added to the licence:

CCTV

1. CCTV shall be installed to Home Office Guidance standards and maintained in a good working condition and recordings shall be kept for 31 days and shall be made available to police and local authority licensing officers with minimum delay if requested.

2. A CCTV camera shall be installed to cover

a) All entry and exit points to and from the premises enabling frontal identification of every person entering under any light conditions

b) The areas of the premises to which the public have access (excluding toilets)

c) Gaming machines and any counter area

3. An overt CCTV monitor to be installed, able to be seen by customers.

4. The premises shall display notices near the entrance of the venue stating that CCTV is in operation.

Crime Prevention

5. The following crime prevention measures shall be implemented:

· A time delay safe with deposit slot and anti-fishing mechanisms must be used at the counter till area

· Regular robbery awareness and cash handling training shall be given to all staff.

6. The Licensee shall maintain ‘Challenge 25 Refusals’ register at the premises. The register shall be produced to the police or licensing authority forthwith on request.

7. Prominent signage and notices advertising the Challenge 25 will be displayed showing the operation of such policy.

8. Third party testing on age restricted sales systems purchasing shall take at least twice a year and the results shall be provided to the Licensing Authority upon request.

9. A Challenge 25 proof of age scheme shall be operated at the premises where the only acceptable forms of identification are recognised photographic identification cards, such as a driving licence, passport or proof of age card with the PASS Hologram.

10. A maglock shall be installed and maintained on the main entrance/exit to the premises and which will be operable from the ground floor by staff. The maglock shall be in operation at staff’s discretion from 09.00 hours to 22:00 hours. Outside these hours, the mag lock must be in operation at all times.

11. The entrance door shall remain closed during any licensable activity except for the entry and egress of customers/staff.

12. A suitable intruder alarm complete with panic button shall be fitted and maintained.

13. A fire alarm and smoke detections system will be installed.

14. The licensee will ensure that customer toilets are checked every hour for evidence of drug taking and alcohol consumption. Toilet checks are  ...  view the full decision text for item 13.

3.1      The Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting of the Licensing Committee. She introduced those present, and outlined the procedure to be followed for the meeting. She then invited the Crime Enforcement and Regulation Manager to introduce the application.

            Crime Enforcement and Regulation (CER) Manager           

3.2      The CER Manager said that members were being asked to consider an application for a new Premises Licence  made by East Kent Leasing Ltd under the Gambling Act 2005, for 3 Palace Amusements at 70 Deptford High Street SE8 4RT. This hearing had been postponed from 6 October 2020 to allow time to consider late documentation. She outlined the activities applied for, which related to an adult gaming centre (AGC) 24 hours 7 days a week.

3.3      The CER manager explained the categories of AGCs allowed for persons of 18 years and she also outlined the relevant reference to the gambling policy that outlines the responsibilities of members when making their decision.  Representations had been received from four interested persons on the grounds of all the licensing objectives. She outlined the steps available to members when making a decision under the Gambling Act 2005. She drew members’ attention to the 31 conditions proposed by the applicant which were set out at page 75 of the report. These had not been agreed with the Police or licensing officers as stated in the report. Representations had not been received from statutory authorities.

            Applicant

3.4      The Chair invited Mr Woods to make his presentation on behalf of the applicant.

3.5      Mr Woods said that in his presentation he would show that the premises would protect children, not exploit people through gambling and would comply with all the licensing objectives. He drew members’ attention to the local area risk assessment which included details regarding the company background, licensing condition, local area profile and risk assessment. He introduced the applicants and said that they had experience of managing over 400 adult gaming centres between them. Staff receive full training and these businesses has never been the subject of a review or statutory action.

3.6      Mr Woods referred to the brief intervention guide which included details of safeguarding the vulnerable. This is a licensing objective and his clients understood the importance of this for the residents in Deptford and Lewisham. The risk assessment document, assessed all risks, addressed the representations made and explained how the licensing objectives would be upheld.

3.7      Mr Woods said that in the representations, there had been claims that there would be crime and disorder if the application was granted. However, there had not been any representation from the Police.

3.8      The licensing objective of protecting children from harm would be protected, because in an adult gaming centre, staff walk around the machines, interacting with customers rather than standing behind a counter. Children would not be allowed onto the premises. There is very little loitering in these type of establishments.

3.9      Mr Woods said that he had attempted, through the clerk, to contact those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.