Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on an application received for the review of a Premises Licence held at Wesley Square, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 7AB. The application for the review has been made by West Yorkshire Police under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003

The Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration submitted a report on an application received for the review of the Premises held at the premises known as “Trinity”, Wesley Square, Pudsey. The application had been made by West Yorkshire Police under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 concerning all four licensing objectives. The hearing was attended by the following:

Two observers also attended the meeting

A letter supporting the review application had been submitted by the Licensing Authority (LA). The Sub Committee resolved to take the written representation into consideration as no LA representative was able to attend.

Firstly, the Sub Committee heard from C Sanderson on behalf of WYP who provided an outline of the representation detailed in the submitted report. Specifically she highlighted the serious concerns held by WYP over the nature and number of incidents attributed to the premises, including over inebriated patrons; serious assault; issues with door staff and a lack of understanding of the licensing objectives by the management team.

Ms Sanderson provided an outline of the history of the Trinity premises and the events leading up to the application to review the Premise Licence, particularly the DPS history, the escalation in the number of calls made to WYP for service during 2014-15 when the previous DPS was in post, and the discussions/advice given at Action Planning meetings. Particular concerns identified at that time as being the over inebriation of patrons and the performance of the door staff team were raised at that time.

In conclusion, having noted a marked improvement in the running of the premises since Mr Thornton became DPS, WYP requested the sub committee consider modifying the Premise Licence to include new measures to address the licensing objectives and ensure the better management of the premises for the future, their concern being that if Mr Thornton left or the premises was sold to a new PLH, the premises could revert to its previous style of operation.

The Sub Committee then heard from Mr Thornton, the current DPS, on behalf of the PLH. Mr Thornton provided assurance that measures suggested by WYP had been put in place, namely installation of a drug safe, CCTV, a change in the type of music events hosted and less boxing events than previously, with a caveat that WYP were informed of any boxing events proposed. Importantly, a new door staff team of 4 had been employed. Mr Thornton also provided information on his role at the premises under the previous management team. He also described the new style of operation of the premises and the changes he had implemented, including closer working with the door staff team and WYP and changes to the music entertainment offered.

The Sub Committee carefully considered the information contained within the report and written submissions from WYP and the Licensing Authority. Members also had regard to the verbal representations made at the hearing by WYP and on behalf of the PLH.

The Sub Committee noted that WYP did not seek a revocation of the Premises Licence, rather that conditions which WYP considered to be reasonable and proportionate be included on the licence to ensure the future good running of the premises. The Sub Committee also noted that WYP and the current DPS, Mr Thornton, had established a working relationship.

The Sub Committee, having considered the representations and the options available to them

RESOLVED – To modify the existing conditions on the Premises Licence for trinity, as sought by WYP in order that the suggested conditions are adopted (totalling eleven conditions and detailed on page 55 of the agenda); with one exception –

7) The minimum number of door supervisors for the premises is 4 to work from 22:00 hours until all patrons have vacated the premises.