Agenda item

a. APPLICATION AND REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED. To consider the attached report

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPORARY EVENT NOTICES- Buzz Bar, 2-3 June and 9-10 June

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR TEMPORARY EVENT NOTICES- Buzz Bar, 2-3 June and 9-10 June

The Licensing Panel considered two applications for Temporary Event Notices in respect of Buzz Bar for the 2-3 June and 9-10 June the notices were submitted by Mr Basil Newby. With the consent of all parties it was agreed that these notices be considered at the same time as the other Temporary Event Notices for Buzz Bar in respect of the 16-17 June and 23-24 June submitted by Mr Carl Payne as it was accepted by all parties that this issues were identical for all the applications.

The Panel considered as a preliminary issue at the hearing the request of Lancashire Constabulary to show CCTV footage of an incident referred to in their evidence. The Panel noted that this evidence had not been served to all parties in advance of the meeting in accordance with the hearing regulations and therefore that it would not be acceptable for this evidence to be introduced at this stage.

Mr Paul Henocq was in attendance accompanied Mr Basil Newby, applicant for Temporary Event Notices on 2-3 June and 9-10 June, Mr Carl Payne, applicant for Temporary Event Notices on 16-17 June and 23-24 June and Mr Dean Bennett, Operations Manager for the Licence Holder.

Mr Henocq spoke in support of the applications and highlighted the reasons behind the applications. He explained that the applications were from an experienced operator in the night time economy. He contended that the police evidence was not necessarily relevant as the incidents had occurred when Buzz was closed and were not in any way linked to those premises. In response to questions from the Panel it was explained that the premises would be accessed via a designated entry unconnected to Flamingo’s on Dickson Road. Further in response to questions he emphasised that there were no issues from any responsible authorities in relation to the operation of Buzz Bar nor to the previous operation of Temporary Event Notices.

Sgt Helen Parkinson was in attendance for Lancashire Constabulary accompanied by Inspector James Martin to speak in objection to the applications.

Sgt Helen Parkinson highlighted the Police’s concerns regarding issue of crime and disorder around the premises in the early hours of the morning. She highlighted a number of concerning incidents of violence and serious disorder and explained while these were not directly linked to the premises in question they showed the challenges faced by the police when preventing crime and disorder in the area.

The Licensing Panel considered carefully all the evidence submitted. It noted that previous Temporary Event Notices had not resulted in additional crime and disorder and was not clear that there was an evidential link between crime and disorder in the wider area and the premises. In considering the relevant guidance it noted that as a Licensing Panel it should take the least action required to ensure the Licensing Objectives were upheld. The Panel concluded that in order to uphold the Licensing Objectives it was necessary to impose the conditions currently on the Premises Licence to the Temporary Event Notices.

Resolved:

To allow the Temporary Event Notices for Buzz Bar on the 2-3 June and 9-10 June to take place subject to the imposition of the conditions on the Premises Licence to the Temporary Event Notices.