Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – Councillor Armitage was elected Chair for the meeting

To identify any applications as late items of business which have been admitted to the agenda for consideration

 (the special circumstances shall be identified in the minutes)

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda. All parties were however in receipt of additional information submitted by the Premise  Licence Holder after the despatch of the agenda.

Members are reminded to declare any interests at the start of the hearing on each application for the purpose of Section 81 (3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of conduct

There were no declarations of interest

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on an application for the review of the Premises Licence currently held at The Vine, 13 The Headrow, Leeds LS1. The application has been made under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003

(Report attached)

The Sub-Committee considered an application made by West Yorkshire Police under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the Review of a Premises Licence held at the premises known as “The Vine”, 13 The Headrow, Leeds LS1.

Present at the hearing:

The Sub-Committee first considered representations from WYP who provided the background of events leading up to the Review application and details of previous incidents directly related to The Vine. WYP suggested that this pub in this location required strong management and highlighted failings in the day to day management of the pub, supervision and training of staff and doorstaff and the competence of the previous Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). Serious failings in the communication between the DPS and Abbey Business Contracts (ABC) were identified. 

WYP suggested that these issues were a contributing factor to the levels of drunken, violent and anti social behaviour associated with The Vine. WYP stated that the management of the pub undermined the licensing objectives intended to prevent crime and disorder – highlighting one particular fight on 1^st July 2010 which spilled out onto the street – and the protection of children from harm – highlighting a successful test purchase on 11^th August 2010. Evidence within their submission showed that incidents occurred in and around the pub throughout all hours the premises was open and were not restricted to night time.

WYP did acknowledge that matters had improved since a new DPS had been employed however they remained concerned about overall management practices. WYP requested the Sub Committee consider suspension of the Premises Licence to provide the PLH time to address the concerns raised and the imposition of mandatory conditions they felt necessary to maintain effective management of the pub in the future.

The Sub Committee viewed CCTV footage of the incident which took place 1^st July 2010 and a photograph of the volunteer who undertook the test purchase for West Yorkshire Trading Standards and WYP on 11^th August 2010.

The Sub Committee then head from Mr Holmes on behalf of the PLH who responded to the submissions of WYP in detail. He acknowledged the breakdown in communication between staff at the Vine and the ABC management team but stated that since he had become aware of the problems he had made significant changes at the premises including those required by WYP in order to address the matters raised in the Section 19 Closure Order and had removed the DPS, employed and trained new staff; and changed the doorstaff team provider. Mr Holmes stated he was to review the ABC management structure and would undertake supervision of the Vine personally in the short term.  The Sub  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138.