Agenda and minutes

Members of the Licensing Hearings Panel are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

Report attached

Prior to the Hearing, the licensing authority received an application pursuant to section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 from Greater Manchester Police for a review of the Premises Licence in respect of Studio 24 at 24 Silver Street, Bury.

The application was as detailed in the report which was presented to the Members of the Panel by the Licensing Officer.

All written representations were contained within the report to Panel. All documentary evidence comprising the application, report provided with the agenda and representation were served on all parties in advance of the hearing.

The Representative for GMP, Mr Kent, explained that prior to the Licensing Hearing Panel Meeting, meetings had taken place with the Premises Licence Holder Mr Stross, the DPS Mr Marshall and their representative Mr Lyons, the Licensing Officer Mr Bridge and GMP. There had also been visits by GMP to the premises to review the CCTV system and offer advice.

Following the meetings and the visits a number of additional conditions in relation to the Drugs Policy and the Search Policy had been agreed between both parties and changes to the CCTV system had been advised and it was confirmed by Mr Marshall that these would be undertaken.

The updated Drugs Policy Conditions were reported:-

The premises shall operate a zero tolerance policy to drugs as follows:

a)   All staff will complete drugs awareness training within 1 month of commencing employment, evidence of such training will be documented and signed by both the DPS and member of staff to confirm such training has taken place.

b)   Customers displaying any signs of being under the influence of drugs will be refused entry to the premises. If drugs of any sort are seized during any search, the items will be evidenced on the CCTV camera at the entrance to the premises and the police will be notified by contacting 101 from time to time (although this will note apply in every case, for example if a small amount of cannabis for personal use is confiscated). Greater Manchester Police will deal with the matter as part of daily business.

c)   Self-sealed numbered bags will be used to safely and securely store any drugs that are seized. Wherever possible, the bag will be sealed and signed in the presence of the individual(s) from who they were seized.

d)   Internal patrols shall be carried out in areas which are vulnerable to drug taking or supply, such as toilets or poorly lit areas as a minimum requirement every 30 minutes. The patrols will record within the incident book should any drugs be found on persons within the premises or drugs paraphernalia found within the toilets or other vulnerable areas.

e)   Staff will not approach any persons suspected of supplying controlled drugs. They shall be kept under observation and the duty manager or security personnel should be informed, the duty manager or security personnel should immediately contact the police for assistance in such circumstances.

f)    Any persons supplying controlled drugs shall be  ...  view the full minutes text for item LHP.2