Agenda and minutes

No Apologies for absence were submitted.

Members of the Licensing Hearing Sub Committee are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any matter on the agenda, and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made.

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) is attached:

Before commencement of the meeting Mr P. Sarnoe, Premises Licence Holder had requested that an 8 page paper document which contained representations on behalf of Hidden Bar Limited be circulated to the Licensing Hearing Sub Committee.

Upon consultation with Mrs A. Green, Bury Council’s Legal Officer, Mr T. Worsfold, Greater Manchester Police’s legal representative had no objections to the paper being put before Members if it helped to assist the hearing.

The Licensing Authority received an application by the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police in respect of the licence premises Hidden Bar, Unit B, 24 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0DH for a Summary Review of the Premises Licence and for interim steps to be taken in advance of that review in accordance with Sections 53A to 53C of the Licensing Act. The reason for the application is because the police believe that the premises are associated with serious crime and/or disorder.

The nature of the application and consideration of options was detailed in the report which was presented to the Members of the Sub-Committee by the Licensing Unit Manager, Mr M. Bridge.

The options available were:

·         To modify the conditions of the licence

·         To exclude the retail sale of alcohol from the licence

·         To remove the Designated Premises Supervisor from the licence

·         To suspend the licence for a period not exceeding 3 months.

·         To revoke the licence.

Following the review under section 53C, Members of the Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee must review the interim steps that are currently in place and determine whether it is appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives for the steps to remain in place, or if they should be modified or withdrawn.

Members were made aware that the cost of the licensing function was funded through the fees and charges levied by the Council.  There may be additional costs if appeals are lodged with the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

Attention was drawn to background papers which included:

Current Premises Licence

Section 53A application, Certificate and supporting evidence

Licensing and Safety Panel Report (interim steps hearing)–14 September 2022

Licensing and Safety Panel Minutes (interim steps hearing)–14 September 2022

The Licensing Unit Manager reported that on the 12th September 2022, Greater Manchester Police submitted an application to the Licensing Authority for a Summary Review in respect of the Hidden Bar, Unit B, 24 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0DH because they believe that the premises are associated with Serious Crime and/or Serious Disorder.

A 10 working-day public consultation exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Licensing Act 2003 regulations; requiring the application to be advertised by the displaying of a blue notice at or on the premises and details of the application published on the Council’s website.

Within 48 hours of receiving a summary review application, under s53B of the

Licensing Act 2003 the licensing authority must consider whether it is necessary

to take interim steps pending the review of the licence for the promotion of the

licensing objectives.

On 14  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.