Agenda and minutes

Councillor Brian Salinger, seconded by Councillor Claire Farrier, nominated Councillor John Hart to preside as Chairman for the meeting.

RESOLVED that Councillor John Hart be appointed as Chairman for the meeting.

None.

None.

The Chairman explained the procedure that would be followed for the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered a Review of Premises Licence for The Hendon, 377 Hendon Way, London, NW4 3LP, together with submissions from the Licensing Officer, Responsible Authority and the licence holder and their representatives.

RESOLVED that the parties be excluded from the meeting, together with the press and public, in accordance with regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings and Regulations) 2005.

The Sub-Committee deliberated in private session, accompanied by officers from HB Public Law and the London Borough of Barnet Governance Service.

The parties to the review were readmitted to the meeting. 

The Sub-Committee noted that one of the incidents recorded in the police record of incidents had taken place on Saturday, 12 March 2016 and not Thursday, 10 March 2016.

The Sub-Committee highlighted the seriousness of the review and requested that the licence holder take into account the risk of the licence being revoked if a further review was to occur as a result of future incidents.

The Chairman read out the decision of the Sub-Committee, which was as follows:

“This was an application for a review of the premises licence for The Hendon, 377 Hendon Way, London NW4 3LP.  The review of the premises licence was made under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 by the Metropolitan Police on the basis that they believe that the premises licence holder is failing to promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

The review was made following reports of violent altercations taking place at the premises since December 2015 resulting in injury the most recent having occurred on 3 December 2016.  Additionally, the Police have concerns regarding the CCTV, the security staff and the implemented action plan failing to resolve the issues.

The Sub-Committee have heard detailed submissions from the Metropolitan Police, the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), the ‘licence holders legal’ representative and the Business Development Manager for Greene King Ltd.  We acknowledge the concerns of the Police, namely the poor CCTV, competency of security staff and the use of glasses, pool cues and balls as weapons.  A number of incidents have occurred at the premises, the most recent being 3 December 2016.  The Committee accepts that there were no incidents between 11 March 2016 and 2 December 2016.  Furthermore, it is accepted that a number of changes have been implemented namely: the CCTV system has been significantly upgraded and improved; a radio system is in place between the door and bar staff; a better risk assessment process has been introduced; there is a list of individuals banned from entering the premises; and the Saturday night music policy has been changed following dialogue with the Police.

The role of the Sub-Committee is to determine what steps should be taken in connection with the premises licence, namely the promotion of the crime and disorder and public safety.

We must consider whether the owner or any DPS is able or indeed willing to comply with the legal requirements of holding a licence and what action is appropriate to promote the licensing objectives in view of the problems at this premises.  The Sub-Committee has not been asked to consider revoking the licence today and we do not believe that it would be appropriate in this case. 

The Sub-Committee must consider how to promote the licensing objectives.  It does not seem appropriate therefore to remove the DPS or exclude a licensable activity.  However, the Sub-Committee notes that it has taken this review hearing for the premises licence holder to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.