Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – That Councillor Wilkinson be appointed as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents.

1)  To highlight reports or appendices which:

a)  officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

b)  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

c)  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information

2)  To note that under the Licensing Procedure rules, the press and the public will be excluded from that part of the hearing where Members will deliberate on each application as it is in the public interest to allow the Members to have a full and frank debate on the matter before them.

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of that part of the agenda designated as exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:

(a)  Appendix A (i) of the report referred to in minute 7 in accordance with Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (1,2), as it includes information relating to an individual and information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

(b)  To note that the press and public will also be excluded from that part of the hearing where Members deliberate the application as it is in the public interest to allow the Members to have full and frank debate on the matter, as allowed under the provisions of the Licensing Procedure Rules.

There were no formal late items.

However, supplementary information had been circulated to all interested parties prior to the hearing in relation to the following items:

·  Item 6 - Review of the Premises Licence for Zen Rendezvous, 10 The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9BT

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

The report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registrations to inform Members of an application for the review of a Premises Licence under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, sought by West Yorkshire Police in respect of Zen Rendezvous, 10 The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9BT.

(Report attached)

The report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration informed Members of an application to review a Premises Licence under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, sought by West Yorkshire Police in respect of Zen Rendezvous, 10 The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9BT.

Members were informed the Premises Licence Holder was Mr Alan Yeung. Mr Yeung was present at the meeting, along with his representative Mr Patrick Robson of John Gaunt & Partners.

Oliver Thorne, counsel, representing West Yorkshire Police (WYP) were in attendance. The application for review of the premises licence was made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder.

WYP highlighted a number of issues with the current running of the establishment, including:

·  The admission of young people under the age of 18;

·  The number of violent incidents involving heavily intoxicated young people, some of whom were under the age of 18;

·  Underage young people storing alcohol outside of the venue to avoid buying alcohol from the venue, and subsequently drinking outside of the venue before returning;

·  Noise and nuisance for local residents of the surrounding area of the premises;

·  Numerous breaches of the licence condition including failure to maintain a functioning CCTV system.

The supplementary information provided included police reports detailing numerous incidents relating to the issues outlined above. However, Members were informed that, during a meeting on Tuesday 15th May 2018 with the Premises Licence Holder and his legal representative, both parties agreed to a number of significant amendments to the current Licence conditions. WYP informed Members that they are satisfied with the proposed amendments and therefore no longer recommend the Sub-Committee to revoke Mr Yeung’s licence.

The agreed amendments were as follows:

·  For a new and experienced Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) to be employed in 6 to 8 weeks. WYP to be consulted and agree suitability of candidate;

·  For a new security company to be employed, and for be 6 members of door staff to remain 30 minutes after closing, and 3 to remain 60 minutes after closing;

·  For no admission to the premises after 1:30am;

·  Admission charge, including a re-admission charge for those who leave the premises and wish to return, though the designated smoking area would not be included;

·  For a new training package for new and current members of staff to be developed and implemented, to enable staff to correctly identify age of customers and fully understand the consequences of serving alcohol to underage young people;

·  Having a “Challenge 25” policy;

·  Improved record keeping.

Members raised concerns about the effectiveness of new amendments to the conditions outlined above, referring to the number of amendments that have previously been made over the years with little progress. WYP noted that the changes were substantial enough to change the premises current reputation of a venue that attracts underage clientele. Members also enquired as to whether a Public Space Protection Order was in place, and officers present confirmed that this was the case.

The Liaison and Enforcement Officer, on behalf of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.