Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application submitted on behalf of the Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Police for a review of the Premises Licence at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, SK8 7AB under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003 at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, SK8 7AB in light of allegations that the premises had been associated with serious crime, serious disorder or both and requesting that the Sub-Committee take interim steps to suspend the premises licence pending a full review.

The Sub-Committee is recommended to consider the application from Greater Manchester Police for interim steps to be taken in relation to the premises licence at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

Officer contact: Ian O'Donnell on 0161 474 4175 or email: Ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management reported upon the receipt of an application submitted on behalf of the Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Police (copies of which had been circulated) for a summary review of the Premises Licence at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in accordance with Section 53(A) of the Licensing Act 2003, and requesting that the Sub-Committee take interim steps to suspend the premises licence pending a full review.

In accordance with Section 53(A) of the Licensing Act 2003 the Licensing Authority had been requested by Greater Manchester Police to undertake a summary review of the premises licence at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme in light of allegations that the premises had been associated with serious crime, serious disorder or both.

Representatives of Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to the summary review. The premises licence holder also attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to the summary review.

The Sub-Committee, having heard the interested parties, proceeded to consider the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective in respect of the review, together with the relevant parts of the council’s Licensing Policy and guidance from the Home Office. However, the decision was reached on consideration of all arguments given in relation to this specific application.

It was then

RESOLVED –That having heard the application for a summary review of the premises licence at Loona, 22c Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport made by the Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Police and having considered all the evidence presented, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that the premises had been associated with serious disorder; specifically that a report of a rape had been made of a 16 year old female within the toilets at the premises. 

The Sub-Committee noted the circumstances surrounding the incident were that there were a number of underage patrons consuming alcohol within the premises.  Further, it was noted that the victim suffered a panic attack after the alleged assault and no person associated with the premises made a call to the emergency services.

The Sub-Committee considers that the serious nature of the alleged incident coupled with concerns in relation to the significant failures in the effective management of the premises means that it is necessary for the Sub-Committee to take interim steps pending the final determination of the review. 

The Sub-Committee is of the view that in order to satisfactorily promote the four licensing objectives, and in particular for the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm, it was appropriate and necessary to suspend the premises licence both for the supply of alcohol on and off premises and the provision of late-night refreshment pending the final determination of the review.