Issue - meetings

To determine a personal alcohol licence.

The Chair introduced the Panel and explained procedure to the applicant.

The Enforcement Officer gave a summary of the report.

The applicant was the manager of a pub, but was not the current Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).  Essex Police have called on the Council for a review of her personal alcohol licence under the Licensing Act 2003.

In May 2019, the applicant was convicted of an offence of assault by beating following a guilty plea. This was following an incident with her former partner.

The Police believe that the applicant’s excessive use of alcohol has led, either wholly or in part, to several instances of domestic disturbance including violence. As a result Essex Police feels that for her to retain her Person Licence would undermine the crime prevention objective. If she was allowed to retain a personal licence, she would be able to apply to take up a position as a DPS, responsible for ensuring that the licensing objectives are upheld. As a DPS, she would be required to prevent patrons from becoming intoxicated and take active steps to prevent vulnerable patrons from risk.

The applicant submitted her written responses to the Council confirming that she had been in a difficult relationship with her ex-partner, that they regularly fought, and this was regularly fuelled by alcohol. The arguments were not one sided and on one occasion her partner had been arresting for assaulting her. She had enclosed photographs of the injuries that she has sustained. She did not support Police action for this matter and there was no CCTV. She has enclosed a log of other incidents between the two of them to give a background. The applicant had said that her behaviour during this relationship was unacceptable and she was ashamed of her actions, however, she stated that this would not behave like this again. She believed that her drinking was caused by the toxic relationship and has requested that she be given another opportunity to prove herself.

Therefore, the applicant’s personal alcohol licence came before members to consider whether she remained a suitable person to continue to hold the licence in light of her conviction.

The applicant said the atmosphere at the pub was much better now her old partner had left. She felt no need to hide from people anymore as she did not have any injuries to account for. She felt as though a weight had been lifted and wanted to run a good pub. Her customers had all been very supportive of her and had signed a petition in support.

At 2.25, the Committee retired to make its decision.

At 3.25, the Committee returned.

The decision was read to the applicant.

DECISION NOTICE –

The application before the Panel today is for the suspension or revocation of the applicant’s personal alcohol licence (personal licence) number PA1119 under S132A (1) and (3) Licensing Act 2003.  The licence was issued on 12^th November 2018 and such licences are indefinite in duration. Though not the current Designated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2