Agenda, decisions and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 24 March 2022 be confirmed and signed.

None.

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

            Crime, Enforcement and Regulation Officer  

3.2     The Crime Enforcement and Regulations (CER) Officer said that members were being asked to consider an application for the variation of a premises licence for Le 5 Terre 2 Loampit Hill SE13 7SW. He outlined the current licensed activities at the premises and the extended hours as applied for. He said that representations had been received from the Metropolitan Police on the grounds of the prevention of Crime and Disorder and of Public Nuisance. The Crime and Enforcement team had made a representation on the grounds of Prevention of Public Nuisance. 

3.3      The CER Officer then outlined the powers available to members when making their decision.

            Applicant

3.4      Members were advised that the applicant was not in attendance.

            Representation

3.5      P.C Butler said that the representations from the Police were based on the licensing objectives of the prevention of Crime and Disorder and the prevention of Public Nuisance. The premises was situated next to a residential area, namely Elswick Road which was a one way, quiet, residential road at the back of the property. Most of the surrounding businesses closed at 11pm apart from two that closed at 1.30. It was predominantly a residential area. The Police did not believe that there was any need for this property to close at 5am and it would impact on the peace and tranquillity for residents in the local area.

3.6      P.C Butler said that there were records for this business dating back to 8 July 2018. An officer had sought a section 19 Notice from the Bromley Magistrates Court because there were poker tables and illegal gambling taking place in the rooms behind the premises. There was a takeaway business at the front and two function rooms attached at the back. Police then received a number of complaints from members of the public and the community; 3 dates were given when there had been reports of suspicious activity, noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour at the premises.

3.7      A licence was granted on the 18 January in an effort to bring the business up to date by ensuring cameras were installed, and that the premises were acting in a legal manner. In February there were three other occasions where reports of noise nuisance were received. Police suspected that illegal gambling was taking place in June. In July Police requested CCTV footage from the DPS but was never received. P.C Butler visited the premises on 6 July and found multiple breaches including the CCTV that did not work. Police Investigation was hindered because the CCTV video evidence had not been available.

3.8      On 8 July the licence holder contacted Police because he wanted legal advice regarding the Section 19 notice that had been issued. Police were asked to withdraw  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.