Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – That Councillor Pam King be elected Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 September 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers are invited to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and members of the Sub-Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Sub-Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice. (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided.  These are available at the meeting and at local libraries and information centres).

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management).

The report details an application from Greater Manchester Police for a Review of the premises licence at The Golden Hind Public House, Lisburne Lane, Offerton held by Greene King Brewing and Retailing Ltd following a Closure Order made by Stockport Magistrates Court.

The Sub-Committee is recommended to consider the application for the review of the premises licence at the Golden Hind Public House, Lisburne Lane, Offerton following a Closure Order issued under Section 161 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Officer contact: Sarah Tooth on 474 4176 or email: sarah.tooth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Sub-Committee to consider an application from Greater Manchester Police for a review of the premises licence at The Golden Hind Public House, Lisburne Lane, Offerton held by Greene King Brewing and Retailing following a Closure Order made by Stockport Magistrates Court.

Following the receipt of a notice of the magistrates court determination under Section 165(4) of the Licensing Act 2003 and in accordance with Section 167 of the Act the Licensing Authority must review the premises licence.

The licensee and representatives of Greene King Brewing and Retailing and a representative of Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting and answered councillors’ questions in relation to the review.

The Sub-Committee was also provided with a schedule of proposed conditions which had been agreed between the licensee and Greater Manchester Police prior to the hearing.

The Sub-Committee, having heard the interested parties, proceeded to consider the prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance licensing objectives in respect of the application, together with the relevant parts of the Council’s Licensing Policy and the guidance from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.  However, the decision was reached on consideration of all the arguments given in relation to this specific application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That having heard the application for a review of the premises licence at The Golden Hind Public House, Lisburne Lane, Offerton made by the Chief Office of Greater Manchester Police, and having considered all the evidence presented, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that the premises had been associated with disorder on and in the vicinity of the premises by virtue of the serious disturbance which took place at the premises on 13 November 2011.  The Sub-Committee noted with approval the content of the proposed schedule of conditions agreed between the licensee and Greater Manchester Police, namely:-

(i)        That the premises fully comply with its newly adopted ‘Drugs Policy’, as follows:-

“Key elements of this policy are firstly on a strict zero tolerance approach to illegal drugs being misused or supplied in or on any part of the premises

Objectives

·         Preventing illegal drugs entering the premises

·         Detecting those supplying and misusing illegal drugs

·         Ensuring the safety of all staff and customers

If you do not take control of your premises and illegal drugs become a problem it will quickly damage your trade and reputation, increase the potential for further criminal activity and seriously threaten the personal safety of you, your staff and customers, it does this by:

·         Attracting undesirable customers

·         Deters genuine customers

·         Affects your sales figures

·         Increases the possibility of violence

·         You are placed at risk of losing your license

You cannot ignore the problem; it must be tackled in a professional manner.

Prevention and Control

High standards of cleanliness & service indicate that you will not accept illegal behaviour.

Know your customers and encourage customers and staff to let you know if they spot anything suspicious.

Ensure all staff are trained and that people are aware that this is the case.

Become familiar with local slang terms for illegal drugs, as these differ in various parts of the country.

Ensure frequent glass collecting takes place along with the regular emptying of ashtrays (in external smoking areas), wiping of tables and checking of floors around tables throughout.

There is a requirement for regular checks on toilet areas, snooker/pool areas, dark corners, and external smoking areas, gardens and car parks. Written records should be kept of this activity. If your site uses door supervisors they should be included in this activity

 All Staff, especially those with cleaning duties should be frequently reminded ‘never to put their hands where their eyes can’t see’.

The best way to stop illegal drug misuse or dealing is a friendly high profile presence throughout the whole of the establishment.

If you become aware of illegal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.