Agenda item

Discussion:

The Panel considered an application for a review of a premises licence by Kent Police, in respect of The Royal George Public House, 380 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4NP.

              The Licensing and Local Land Charges Manager advised the meeting that the review related to the following licensing objective: the prevention of public nuisance. She confirmed that the application had been correctly advertised in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. She also referred to and explained each of the appendices to the report. This included the existing premises licence (Appendix A), a plan showing the location of the premises (Appendix B), a copy of the review application (Appendix C) and three letters in support of the premises (Appendix D).

The Licensing and Local Land Charges Manager advised the meeting that in accordance with Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council had received an application from Kent Police for a review of the existing premises licence in respect of the Royal George Public House, 380 High Street, Chatham.

The application had been correctly advertised by way of the display of notices at the premises and on the Council’s website for the required period, in accordance with regulations made under the Licensing Act 2003. Also, in accordance with the legislation, notice of the application (and the application itself) had been served on the licence holder and the other responsible authorities.

The premises currently operated by way of a premises licence granted in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, a copy of which is attached at Appendix A f the report (pages 45 to 48).  A copy of a plan showing the location of the premises was attached at Appendix B (page 49). A copy of the review application was at Appendix C (pages 50 to 56) with supporting evidence at exempt Appendix D under Agenda Item 8 on the agenda. 

The Panel’s attention was drawn to the grounds for the review in relation to the licensing objective (prevention of crime and disorder) of the Licensing Act 2003 and also paragraphs 4 and 7 of the report – Policy Considerations and Advice and analysis on determination of an application for review.

The Panel heard from the Applicant.

The Applicant referred to the redacted Appendix D and the chronology of events contained therein.

The Panel was advised of police action in relation to request for the review.

The Panel asked questions of the Applicant who provided clarification when requested.

Decision:

The Panel, in reaching its decision, heard evidence from the Applicant, for the review in the absence of the Licensee. The Panel considered that, in light of the Applicant’s case and supporting evidence, the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm had not been promoted. Further, the Panel considered that it was not satisfied that the Licensee could promote those licensing objectives if further conditions were imposed. The Panel resolved that the only way to promote the four licensing objectives was to revoke the Premises Licence for The Royal George Public House, 380 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4NP with immediate effect.