The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon an application that had been received from Merseyside Police for the review of a Premises Licence in respect of High Society, Argyle Street, Birkenhead, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The premises currently hold a Premises Licence which allows the following licensable activities:

Supply of Alcohol

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 04:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 04:00

Regulated Entertainment (Recorded Music and Anything of a Similar Description)

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 04:00

Entertainment Facilities (Facilities for Making Music, Dancing and Anything of a Similar Description)

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 04:00

Late Night Refreshment

Sunday to Saturday  23:00 to 04:00

A copy of the Premises Licence setting out the above hours and conditions attached to the Licence was available.

The Director advised the Sub-Committee of the steps it could take for the promotion of the licensing objectives, having regard to the application for review and any relevant representations.

Sergeant Jenkins, Licensing Sergeant, Merseyside Police attended the meeting together with Constable Cottrell.  Sergeant Jenkins advised that the grounds for review were in relation to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance following a number of incidents that had occurred at the premises involving both Door Supervisors and customers of the premises.

Tom Jones, Business Development Manager, Admiral Taverns attended the meeting together with his solicitor, Mr Ashworth.

Councillor Taylor declared a personal interest in this application by virtue of being acquainted with the applicant.  No objections were made to Councillor Taylor considering the application.

The Licensing Officer confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.

Sergeant Jenkins informed Members that it had been necessary to call the premises into review due to the high number of incidents that had occurred at the premises, he also informed Members that the premises had a history of violence and drunkenness.  He further reported that the previous Designated Premises Supervisor had not complied with any of the licensing objectives, that he had since resigned and the premises had been closed since 29 May 2010.

Sergeant Jenkins proposed that a number of conditions be attached to the Premises Licence in order to promote the licensing objectives.

Sergeant Jenkins responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee.

Mr Ashworth advised that he would have suggested that many of the proposed conditions by Merseyside Police be attached to the Premises Licence in any event.  He also advised that Admiral Taverns would liaise with the Police to ensure that they would be satisfied with the new Designated Premises Supervisor and doorstaff employed at the premises.  He felt that the problems had been caused by the Designated Premises Supervisor and the previous Management Team and would therefore be happy for the proposed conditions to be attached to the Premises Licence.  He gave his assurance that robust management would be in place in the future.

Mr Ashworth and Mr Jones responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee.

Members gave careful consideration to the application made by Merseyside Police in respect of the review of the premises and evidence provided in support.  Members also considered representations from the respondent, Mr Ashworth representing Mr Jones and considered that the measures suggested by Merseyside Police were a necessary and proportionate response to uphold the licensing objectives.

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Resolved -

(1)  That in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the application.

(2)  That the hours of the Premises Licence be amended as follows:

Supply of Alcohol

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 02:30

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 03:00

Regulated Entertainment (Live Music)

Sunday to Saturday  22:00 to 02:30

Regulated Entertainment (Recorded Music and Anything of a Similar Description)

  Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 02:30

  Entertainment Facilities (Facilities for Making Music, Dancing and   Anything of a Similar Description)

  Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 02:30

  Late Night Refreshment

  Sunday to Saturday  23:00 to 02:30

(3)  That the following conditions be attached to the Premises Licence:

·  Customers must not enter the premises after 02:00.

·  The Designated Premises Supervisor at these premises must hold a BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Designated Premises Supervisors.

·  No persons under the age of 21 shall be allowed on the premises and adequate signage to this effect must be displayed.

·  An electronic ID device must be used to ensure that no persons under 21 years of age gains entry to the premises.

·  The Premises must adopt a Challenge 25 policy and display adequate posters relating to this policy.

·  Four SIA registered doorpersons must be employed from 20:00 hours and the premises must not source the doorpersons from First Guard Security.

·  Door supervisors must wear hi visual florescent jackets

·  All drinks must be served in polycarbonate vessels.