Agenda item

The Authority is in receipt of an application to review a premises licence for a premise known as Sussex News, 15B Surrey Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5AZ.

The Chair confirmed the live webcast had recommenced for this item and asked all attendees to introduce themselves.

The Licensing Manager acting for the licensing authority as a responsible authority spoke on behalf of all parties to the hearing.  It was confirmed that discussions had taken place last week and this morning with the licence holder who had accepted responsibility for the offences and the failings that were uncovered following inspections by authorities over the last few months. He apologises for these failings and is keen to work with authorities to remedy the situation. It has been agreed between all parties this morning that a suggested outcome for members of the Sub-Committee to consider that a proportionate approach would be to suspend the licence for 1 week (7 days) and that the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) must be changed within a maximum of 8 weeks. The reason that the DPS is not being suggested for change sooner is because the licence holder would like to replace the previous DPS with an individual who has sat their personal licence course, however they still need to obtain their personal licence. The council are also receptive to the fact that a DBS check may also take an additional few weeks and wish to set things on the right footing moving forward. Members had also been provided with additional information packs for their review, of which, included updated training material and new arrangements that has been put in place by the licence holder.

The Sub-Committee

           RESOLVED

That they agree with the licensing authority’s proposal to suspend the licence for 7 days and to change the DPS within a timeframe of 8 weeks. Full reasoning will follow within 5 working days, and it will include the right of appeal