Issue - meetings

For Members to consider and determine an application for a review of a premises licence, made under the Licensing Act 2003, in respect of Ruthin Castle, 73-77 New Street, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1NY

That the licence be amended in accordance with the decision of the Committee as detailed above.

The Chair introduced  a report for Members to consider and determine an application for a review of a premises licence, made under the Licensing Act

2003, in respect of Ruthin Castle, 73-77 New Street, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1NY.  The review application was made on the grounds that the licensing objectives were not being met. 

The Licensing Officer presented the report and referred to the main considerations as detailed in the report.  The full review application showed a chronological summary of events and was attached as Appendix A.  The location of the premises is shown in Appendix B.  The current licence conditions were attached as Appendix C.  Representations were received from North Wales Police on 19September 2023 and were attached as Appendix D.  Representations were also received from Flintshire County Council’s Pollution Control Section on 19 September 2023 and were attached as Appendix E.  Emails of representation were received from residents, the Town Council, and the Mayor of Mold, and were attached as Appendix F.  For reference the hours of other licensed premises in the immediate vicinity were attached as Appendix G.

The Licensing Team Manager, acting as the Licensing Authority as a responsible Authority for Flintshire County Council, reported on the reasons why the application for the review of the premises licence at the Ruthin Castle, 73-77 New Street, Mold, Flintshire, had been made.  She advised that  the following licensing objectives were not being met as detailed in the application which was appended to the report:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance

The Licensing Team Manager said that in addition the permissions made under the Live Music Act 2012 may no longer be appropriate in respect of the premises. 

The Licensing Team Manager reported on the proposals made by the premises licence holder for a reduction in hours, new conditions, and removal from the premises licence of live music as a licensable activity, which had been circulated as additional documents to the Sub Committee for consideration.  The Licensing Team Manager’s response to the proposals had also been circulated as additional information.

In response to a query from Councillor Rob Davies, the Licensing Team Manager confirmed that the proposed hours in the additional information circulated included Sunday opening.

Mr Gary Grant, Legal Advisor to the Sub Committee, questioned the Licensing Team Manager concerning the hours for alcohol sale and regulated entertainment for the premises and the proposal to remove live music and invoke Section 177A. 

The Chair invited Mr Richard Taylor, Solicitor representing the premises licence holder (Ei/Stonegate), to speak.  Mr Taylor referred to the statement provided by Mr Paul Wright, Licensing Director for Ei/Stonegate, and the proposals which had been circulated to the Sub Committee for consideration.  He apologised on behalf of the premises licence holder to all local residents and responsible authorities who had been impacted by the failure to address the complaints raised and acknowledged the need for the review application.  Mr Taylor provided background  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3