Agenda, decisions and minutes

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The Chairman explained the procedure for hearing and determining the application and detailed the order in which speakers would be able to address the Sub-Committee.

For Members to consider and determine an application for a Premises Licence.

That the Premises Licence be granted in respect of the sale of alcohol during the hours of 9am-11pm Monday to Sunday, together with the Operating Schedule conditions.

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment which was presented by the Licensing Officer for determination of an application for a new Premises Licence for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

She confirmed that the application had been advertised in the correct manner and drew attention to the steps to be taken by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives.  A number of concerns raised against the application by residents from the area were appended to the report, together with a letter from North Wales Police.

4.1       Representations by Responsible Authorities

Ms. A. Williams advised that representations had been made by North Wales Police under the licensing objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder and the Prevention of Public Nuisance.  As stated in her letter to the County Council dated 1 October 2012, she alluded to an increase in alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Flint which had resulted in a detrimental effect on those living and working in the area.

Sgt. J. Williams explained that in recognition of the problem, ‘Operation Valensole’ had been introduced in July 2012 to assist in addressing complaints made about excessive public drinking in Flint.  The analysis report from that initiative, which was circulated at the meeting, indicated 81 incidents relating to public drinking in Flint between 1 January and 30 September 2012 and showed an increasing trend.  The statistics stated that the majority of incidents had taken place on Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays and that areas such as the grounds of Flint Castle had been identified as a repeat location.  It was noted that between 15 July and 9 September 2012, a total of 12 Section 27 Notices had been issued, of which five were alcohol related.

Sgt. Williams said that efforts to address the situation in Flint town centre had resulted in the problem moving to more remote locations such as Flint Castle and he went on to give examples of the types of issues dealt with by the Police during September 2012.  He pointed out that although alcohol could be purchased at any of the six off-licences in Flint, a further premises could only add to the problem.  In referring to efforts to help offer support to the problem, he referred to a group which met monthly to consider diversity issues, which included representation by the Council’s Diversity Officer and commented on the availability of a Police Officer who was able to speak Polish.

4.2       Representations by Interested Parties

Mr. Cresswell, also speaking on behalf of Mrs. Cresswell who was present, stressed that he had no objections to the mini-market but wished to make representations against the sale of alcohol at the premises.  He spoke of an alcohol related incident early one morning in a public car park which was used by many people including some elderly residents.  He was aware of 13 establishments in Flint where alcohol could be purchased and felt that any more would be unnecessary, adding that anti-social behaviour was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

There were no additional members of the public and no members of the press in attendance.

The following item is considered to be exempt by virtue of Paragraph(s) 12, 13 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item as it was considered to contain exempt information by virtue of paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item as it was considered to contain exempt information by virtue of paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The Chairman explained the procedure for hearing and determining the application and detailed the order in which speakers would be able to address the Sub-Committee.

That the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and was granted a licence for a probationary period of six months, with a CRB check to be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense on completion of the probationary term.

The Senior Licensing Officer introduced the report to request that Members consider and determine an application for a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint Driver) Licence.  The report detailed the contents of the application, together with information on the applicant’s convictions and the Council’s adopted guidance on dealing with such matters.  She stated that whilst the applicant had failed to disclose any previous convictions on the application form, receipt of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure had indicated otherwise.  The applicant had been requested to provide a written explanation of his convictions which was appended to the report.

5.1       Representations by the Applicant

The Chairman invited the applicant to make representations and provide further explanation on his convictions.  The applicant responded to the questions put to him by the Panel and the Solicitor, stating that he was aware of the legal requirement to disclose any previous offences but that he had not been aware of the exact dates and nature of the convictions.  He added that he had responded immediately to the Council’s request for a written explanation and drew attention to the length of time since his convictions, making reference to his changed circumstances.

5.2       Determination of the Application

The applicant and Senior Licensing Officer were then requested to leave the room to enable the Panel to consider the application.  The meeting was reconvened once a decision had been reached.

5.3       Decision

The Chairman explained that having considered the report by the Senior Licensing Officer and representations made by the applicant, the Sub-Committee had agreed to grant the applicant a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence for a probationary period of six months.  He added that the applicant would need to apply for a CRB check at his own expense on completion of the probationary term.

RESOLVED:

That the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and was granted a licence for a probationary period of six months, with a CRB check to be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense on completion of the probationary term.