Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached:-

The Executive Director for Corporate Core had submitted a report relating to an application pursuant to section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 from a Responsible Authority for a review of the premises licence in respect of Radcliffe Central Snooker Club, Abden Street, Radcliffe, M26 3AT

 

The Licensing Unit Manager, Mr M. Bridge presented the report to Members of the Sub-Committee and consideration of the options available.

 

The Licensing Act 2003 and the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations are the relevant legislation.

 

At the time of the submission of this review application by Greater Manchester Police, the Premises Licence in respect of Radcliffe Central Snooker Club, Abden Street, Radcliffe, M26 3AT  is held by Mr David Michael Morley, 17 Unsworth Street, Radcliffe, M26 3RN, he is also the Designated Premises Supervisor at the premises.

 

The Responsible Authority has complied with all the necessary procedural requirements laid down by the Act.

 

As part of the statutory process the Responsible Bodies and interested parties are entitled to make representations in relation to the review of a licence. The Licensing Authority has given Notice of the application by placing a Notice on the premises, at the Council Offices and on the Council website.  Where further representations are made by either the Responsible Authorities or from local residents / businesses and not withdrawn, Members are required to determine them.

 

Representations must be relevant to the licensing objectives defined within the Act.

The objectives are:-

a)         the prevention of crime and disorder

b)         public safety

c)         prevention of public nuisance and

d)         protection of children from harm

 

The current licensable activities are as follows:

 

a.         Opening Hours

Monday to Wednesday                   10.00 to 00.15

Thursday                                           10.00 to 00.45

Friday to Saturday                           10.00 to 01.45

Sunday                                              10.00 to 00.15

 

Non-Standard Timings

Sundays prior to Bank Holidays    10.00 to 00.45

Good Friday                                      10.00 to 01.45

Christmas Eve                                              10.00 to 01.45

Boxing Day                                       10.00 to 01.45

New Years Eve                                10.00 to 04.45

Other Bank and Public Holidays   10.00 to 00.45

 

b.         Retail Sale of Alcohol (On and Off the Premises)

Monday to Wednesday                   10.00 to 23.30

Thursday                                           10.00 to 00.00

Friday to Saturday                           10.00 to 01.00

Sunday                                              10.00 to 23.30

 

Non-Standard Timings

Sundays prior to Bank Holidays    10.00 to 00.00

Good Friday                                      10.00 to 01.00

Christmas Eve                                              10.00 to 01.00

Boxing Day                                       10.00 to 01.00

New Years Eve                                10.00 to 04.00

Other Bank and Public Holidays   10.00 to 00.00

 

c.         Exhibition of Films (Indoors)

Monday to Wednesday                   10.00 to 00.15

Thursday                                           10.00 to 00.45

Friday to Saturday                           10.00 to 01.45

Sunday                                              10.00 to 00.15

 

Greater Manchester Police would expand upon the reason(s) for their representation in relation to the premises. The review application was attached at Appendix 1 in the agenda packs as Appendices A and B respectively.

 

The conditions attached to the premises licence were contained within Appendix 2 of the agenda pack.

 

Section 182 Licensing Act Guidance was detailed in the report stating sections 10.2, 11.24, 11.26 and 11.28 of the act.

 

After hearing the representations made and the evidence presented, Members were obliged to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives and having regard to the Authority’s Licensing Policy and National Guidance.

 

The Licensing Unit Manager clarified in the interests of transparency that there had been an omission in the agenda packs in terms of the element for Appendix 1 detailing the police log and titled appendix A. This had been sent to the Licensing Department by GMP but had been excluded in error, although most of the details had been placed in the review section of the application.

 

PC Peter Ecclestone, Bury District Licensing Officer for Greater Manchester Police reported:-

 

At 03:08hrs on Sunday the 1^st February 2026, Greater Manchester Police received an emergency phone call from a member of the public stating that his brother had been attacked and knocked unconscious at Radcliffe Central Snooker Club, Abden Street, Radcliffe.

 

Officers responded to the emergency and arrived on scene minutes later to find the victim in the bar area, conscious and breathing. The individual responsible had left prior to attending and although the victim was knocked unconscious, thankfully the injuries were relatively minor and as such a crime was recorded for an offence of causing actual bodily harm (s.47).

 

The incident had been captured on the premises CCTV system which upon officer’s request, had been provided without delay.

 

Having reviewed the CCTV footage, it quite clearly shows the assault taking place at 03:03hrs where the victim is approached and punched once to the face, rending him temporarily unconscious resulting in him falling backwards and banging the back of his head off the floor. Furthermore, it quite clearly shows customers/members consuming alcohol and recently poured pints on the bar itself.

 

The currently premises license authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 10:00hrs & 01:00 hrs on a Saturday with a closing time no later than 01:45hrs.

 

Following this incident, PC Eccleston and Laura Bell from Bury Council Licensing Department visited the premises and spoke to the current license holder and DPS, David Morely on Tuesday the 3^rd February 2026. Without excuse he accepted full responsibility claiming that they had been out for a belated Christmas party for staff, family and members in Manchester and upon their return to Radcliffe some had gone back to the club to carry on the celebrations, loosing track of time in the process. Mr Morley had been upfront and honest about this particular incident and claims that this was not a regular occurrence and is not a venue that is associated with many incidents requiring police attention.

 

Although the premises had undermined the premises license, PC Eccleston was able to confirm that in the three years of being a police licensing officer, this was the first occasion he needed to visit the premises following a report made to the police and concerns raised regarding the management of the premises.

 

Considering the nature of this event, GMP felt it was necessary to bring it to the attention of the Licensing Sub-Committee. GMP would ask that on this occasion that consideration was given to amending the conditions of the licence with suggestions detailed within the agenda packs.

 

At this stage of the hearing, PC Ecclestone played CCTV footage from the venue detailing the incident.

 

A Member of the Committee enquired if snooker cues were still in operation as well as alcohol being consumed after the permitted hours. PC Ecclestone explained cues were still being used in relation to the nature of the venue but none were used as a weapon for this incident.

 

A Member of the Committee asked how long the victim remained unconscious, what caused the assault and was the perpetrator charged. PC Ecclestone stated the victim was temporary unconscious and had not looked at the investigation records in terms of any convictions.  

 

A Member of the Committee asked if the venue had door security and PC Ecclestone answered no and in his near four years in post he had never needed to visit the venue. Extra conditions in relation to door staff could be included if a risk assessment deemed necessary for example at certain times of the year.

 

PC Ecclestone clarified that the additional conditions submitted were proportionate and the Licensing Unit Manager added only there were only five current conditions.

 

Mr David Morley addressed the Sub Committee and informed Members that he had run the club for the past nine years and the venue had been operating for over 30 years with 6 snooker and 1 pool table. There were over 500 members and the venue was a community hub and to his knowledge there had been no police call outs.

 

He explained that they had been on a works Christmas party in lieu of doing this over the festive period and had become complacent. The person who threw the punch was not a trouble maker and alongside his brother sometimes speaks out of turn. The party had been out in Manchester and the females in the group had asked to go back and do some Karaoke at the club and they had lost track of time, serving after hours.

 

Mr Morley added that before the incident the music had been turned off and last drinks were requested and this could be heard on the audio of the CCTV system. The incident came out of the blue and this was a wake-up call for the management and it wont happen again.

 

In his opinion the club was well run and alongside Radcliffe Borough helped disadvantaged youths with free pool offered when accompanied by a member of staff. The drinking culture element at the venue was not great as it was a snooker club with the business being invested in and he didn’t want to lose the community hub.

 

A Member asked was the victim and perpetrator friends or relatives and Mr Morley stated they usually arrive around 10.00pm on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and keep themselves to themselves. The club does monitor them as they can be outspoken but they are managed.

 

The Chair asked Mr Morley’s views on the proposed conditions and he wanted the venue to be on the ball to run a good business and not break any rules.

 

A Member wondered how the victim was and it was reported that he had taken a couple of days off work but was back in the club on the Friday night with no ill effects.

 

A Member asked had the 2 men been on the club’s Christmas party in Manchester and it was confirmed this was not the case and they had been in the club when the party returned from Manchester.

 

A Member questioned why nobody seemed to help the victim when he lay on the floor unconscious and were staff first aid trained. Mr Morley felt people were in a state of shock  and training probably needed to be updated and would take this on board.

 

The Chair asked was an ambulance called and it was confirmed one attended the incident.

 

In summing up, PC Ecclestone stated the new conditions were robust and enforceable and based off the venue’s previous history. Mr Morley added he wanted to make things right and put in place the correct management for the business so people are safe. 

 

The Sub-Committee then duly retired to consider the matter and all of the information provided.

 

The Members of the Sub-Committee were advised by the Legal Officer as to their duties under Section 4 of the Licensing Act 2003 to at all times consider the promotion of the Licensing Objectives, these being:

 

1)    the prevention of crime and disorder

2)    public safety

3)    the prevention of public nuisance

4)    the protection of children from harm

 

In addition, Members were advised to give appropriate weight to the steps that are appropriate to promote the licensing objectives and the representations presented at the meeting by all parties.

 

DELEGATED DECISION

 

All of the evidence was considered with care, and it was established that having understood the application and equally noting and understanding the representations, the Sub-Committee found there were causes for concern so far as the promotion of the licensing objectives were concerned.

 

It was therefore agreed unanimously, to modify conditions asproposed by GMP, subject to two extra conditions under public safety that whilst the premises are open for at least one member of staff with a valid, recognised emergency first aid at work certificate to be present and a health and safety risk assessment be implemented/reviewed within 28 days.  Whilst under the protection of children from harm an additional condition be imposed that a safeguarding policy be implemented/reviewed within 28 days.

 

The Sub-Committee was therefore satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to mean this action was necessary. 

 

The evidence presented had demonstrated the following licensing objectives had not been met and failed the:-

 

·         the prevention of crime and disorder

·         public safety

·         the protection of children from harm

 

The reasons by the sub-committee, included:-

• To comply with the licensing objectives including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.
• Whilst the club had been well run over a number of years there was an admission that management of the venue had slipped.
• Working practices had aged from the existing embedded conditions and required a review.
• A safeguarding policy was required due to local vulnerable children utilising the venue.

 

The Chair advised of their right to appeal the decision to the Court within the relevant timescales upon receiving written notification.

 

Operating Schedule

 

Prevention of Crime and Disorder:

1.      The premises licence holder must ensure that:

a.    CCTV cameras are located within the premises to cover all public areas including all entrances and exits [The location of cameras could also be specified on the plan attached to the premises licence].

b.    The system records clear images permitting the identification of individuals.

c.    The CCTV system is able to capture a minimum of 24 frames per second and all recorded footage must be securely retained for a minimum of 28 days.

d.    The CCTV system operates at all times while the premises are open for licensable activities [or specify timings]. The Premises Licence Holder or the Designated Premises Supervisor must notify the licensing office or the Police in the event of CCTV breakdown or malfunction as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event within 24hrs.

e.    All equipment must have a constant and accurate time and date generation.

f.     The CCTV system is fitted with security functions to prevent recordings being tampered with, i.e. password protected.

g.    There are members of trained staff at the premises during operating hours able to provide viewable copies on request by the police or authorised officer of the local authority officers as soon as is reasonably practicable or in any case within 12 hours of receiving the request whether that be verbal or written request.

2.      An incident log (which may be electronically recorded) shall be kept at the premises for at least six months, and made available on request to the police or an authorised officer of the licensing authority, which will record the following incidents including pertinent details:

a.    All alleged crimes reported to the venue or by the venue to the police

b.    All ejections of patrons

c.    Any complaints received

d.    Any incidents of disorder

e.    Seizures of drugs, offensive weapons, fraudulent ID or other items

f.     Any faults in the CCTV system, searching equipment or scanning equipment

g.    Any visit by a responsible authority or emergency service

 

3.      All staff authorised to sell alcohol shall be trained in:

 

a.    Relevant age restrictions in respect of products

b.    Prevent underage sales

c.    Prevent proxy sales

d.    Maintain the refusals log

e.    Enter sales correctly on the tills so the prompts show as appropriate

f.     Recognising signs of drunkenness and vulnerability

g.    How overservice of alcohol impacts on the four objectives of the Licensing Act 2003

h.    How to refuse service

i.      Action to be taken in the event of an emergency, including the preservation of a crime scene and reporting an incident to the emergency services

j.      The conditions in force under this licence.

 

Public Safety:

 

4.      Customers are to be prevented from leaving the premises with glasses or open bottles.

 

5.      No person in possession of a drink in a sealed or unsealed container shall be allowed to enter the premises except for the purposes of delivery or from moving from one part of the premises to another.

 

 

• At least one member of staff working at the premises when open should be first aid trained holding a required first aid certificate. An advisory was issued by the sub committee that all staff are first aid trained.

 

• A health and safety risk assessment for the venue should be created or renewed within 28 working days of written notification from the Licensing Department.

 

Prevention of Public Nuisance

 

6.      Prominent, clear and legible notices must be displayed at all exits requesting that customers respect the needs of local residents and to leave the premises and area quietly.

 

Protection of Children from Harm

 

7.      The Challenge 25scheme must be operated to ensure that any person who appears to be under the age of 25 shall provide documented proof that he/she is over 18 years of age. Proof of age shall only comprise a passport, photo card driving license, an EU/EEA national ID card or similar document, an HM Forces warrant card, a card bearing the PASS hologram, or any electronic or biometric age verification technology approved by the licensing authority.

8.      The premises shall display prominent signage indicating at the entrance to the premises that the Challenge 25 scheme is in operation.

9.      A refusals record must be kept at the premises which details all refusals to sell alcohol. This record must include the date and time of the incident, a description of the customer, the name of the staff member who refused the sale, and the reason the sale was refused. All entries must be made within 24 hours of the refusal. The record must be made available for inspection and copying at the request of a Police Officer or officer of a Responsible Authority. 

• A safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults  for the venue should be created or reviewed within 28 working days of written notification from the Licensing Department.

 

Embedded Conditions

 

Justices’ On and Off Licence (not having a Children’s Certificate)

 

1        Permitted hours. Alcohol shall not be sold or supplied except during permitted hours.

 

     In this condition, permitted hours means:

 

(1) On New Years Eve from the end of permitted hours on New Years Eve to the start of permitted hours on the following day (or, if there are no permitted hours on the following day, midnight on the 31stDecember)

The above restrictions do not prohibit

(a) the consumption of the alcohol on the premises or the taking of sale or supply of alcohol to any person residing in the licensed premises;

(b) the ordering of alcohol to be consumed off the premises, or the despatch by the vendor of the alcohol so ordered;

(c) the sale of alcohol to a trader or club for the purposes of the trade or club;

(d) the sale or supply of alcohol to any canteen or mess, being a canteen in which the sale or supply of alcohol is carried out under the authority of the Secretary of State or an authorised mess of members of Her Majesty’s naval, military or air forces;

(e) the taking of alcohol from the premises by a person residing there; or

(f) the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises to any private friends of a person residing there who are bona fide entertained by him at his own expense, or the consumption of  alcohol by persons so supplied; or

(g) the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises to persons employed there for the purposes of the business carried on by the holder of the licence, or the consumption of liquor so supplied, if the liquor is supplied at the expense of their employer or of the person carrying on or in charge of the business on the premises.

(h)during the first twenty minutes after the above hours, the taking of alcohol from the premises unless the alcohol is supplied or taken in an open vessel.

 

2.      No person under fourteen years of age shall be in the bar of licensed premises during permitted hours unless one of the following applies;

a.       He is the child of the holder of the premises licence.

b.      He resides in the premises, but is not employed there.

c.       He is in the bar solely for the purpose of passing to or from some part of the premises which is not a bar and to or from which there is no other convenient means of access or egress

d.      The bar is in a railway refreshment rooms or other premises constructed, fitted and intended to be used bona fide for any purpose to which the holding of the licence is ancillary

 

In this condition  “bar” includes any place exclusively or mainly used for the consumption of intoxicating liquor.

An area is not a “bar” when it is usual for it to be, and it is, set apart for the service of table meals and alcohol is only sold or supplied to persons as an ancillary to their table meals.

 

3. The relaxation provisions in section 182 Licensing Act 1964 shall apply in relation to the provision of public entertainment in the premises by the reproduction of wireless (including television) broadcasts or music and singing solely provided by the reproduction of recorded sound.

 

Appendix C Conditions

 

1          Prominent, clear and legible notices should be displayed at all exits requesting that customers respect the need of local residents and to leave the premises and area quietly at an appropriate times before closing time announcements should be made reminding customers of the above.

2          Non-members are not allowed to be admitted after 22.30 hours.