Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chairman explained the procedure to be followed at the hearing, as contained within the “Wiltshire Licensing Committee Procedural Rules for the Hearing of Licensing Act 2003 Applications” (Pages 1 – 7 of the Agenda refers).

To consider and determine a Police Objection Notice received in respect of a

Temporary Events Notice for Jax Landing, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham.

Hearing in respect of an Objection Notice from Wiltshire Police to Temporary Event Notices for Jax Landing, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham

The Licensing Officer introduced the purpose and scope of the application, the premises to which it related and the key issues for consideration.

In accordance with the procedure detailed in the agenda, the Police representative and the Premises User were given the opportunity to address the Sub Committee.

Key points raised by David Bennett on behalf of Wiltshire Police were:

·               That there had been incidences of crime and disorder relating to the premises going on for some time;

·               There was a history of poor compliance of the conditions on the licence;

·               There had been difficulties in retrieving CCTV images requested for criminal investigations and on a number of occasions these had not been provided for a number of reasons;

·               If the premises were to operate as a night club on a Temporary Events Notice, no conditions to mange the events could be imposed and enforced;

·               The Police had no reason to believe that the basic requirements with regard to record keeping and management systems that were raised in their letter to the premises in June 2011 had been improved and/or implemented; and

·               That the Police was uncertain of the status of the management structure of the premises and who was in charge.

Members of the Sub Committee then asked questions of Mr David Bennett, the Police representative;

Q         Would the Premises User have to comply with reasonable conditions         required by the Police under a Temporary Events Notice?

A         We could ask the Premises User to comply but the Police would be             unable to enforce any conditions.

Q         There are a number of incidents relating to the premises detailed in the Police evidence, but 10 of these are listed as occurring outside of the premises – how do you know if they relate to Jax Landing?

A         We know that these incidents are linked to the premises via Police investigations carried out and statements received.

Members of the Sub Committee then asked questions of the Premises User:

Q         What is your involvement with Jax Landing?

A         He had been the Day Manager of the premises running the Café for 9       months. 

Q         What were the plans for the temporary events proposed?

A         The plans were to hold a fancy dress Halloween party and have the           monthly band/open mike night on the Sunday.

Key points raised by Mr Rudi Lee, Premises User were:

·               That they wanted to hold these licensable events to try and save Jax and to create an income stream.

The Police representative and the Sub Committee members were then given an opportunity to ask questions of the Premises User;

Q         How can we be satisfied that you can run these events?

A         There have been no incidents of crime and disorder in the day when Mr Lee had been in charge and all requirements to ensure the smooth running of the events would be in place.

Q         What  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.