Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to an application for the review of a Premises Licence in accordance with the provisions of Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, in respect of the premises known as The Haynook, Redscope Crescent, Kimberworth Park, Rotherham.

The review application had been submitted following an investigation into a complaint regarding disorder at the premises and identification of poor management practices including a failure of the licence holder to comply with nationally imposed requirements introduced to control the spread of Coronavirus/Covid-19 within the United Kingdom.  Two Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued in relation to the breaches.

The Sub-Committee heard representations from Mrs. K. Ladlow (Principal Officer of the Local Authority Licensing Enforcement Unit and the applicant for the premises licence review), Police Sergeant Neil Windle (substitute for Helen Cooper, South Yorkshire Police), Mr. A. Monkhouse (Principal Environmental Health Officer).  In addition, Mr. Richard Taylor, Solicitor, and Joanne Hipkiss, Stonegate Pub Company, were in attendance.

The application for a full review of the premises sought a revocation of the premises licence on the grounds that the Premises Licence Holder was failing to properly promote 3 of the licensing objectives i.e. the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance due to:-

-        Violent disorder, drug dealing and drug use connected to the premises.

-        A lack of effective management control in relation to the operation of the premises.

-        A general failure of the licence holder to adhere to the conditions attached to the Premises Licence.

-        An apparent obstructive/dismissive demeanour demonstrated by the Designated Premises Supervisor.

-        Concerns regarding the licence holder’s failure to adhere to legal requirements introduced to control the spread of Coronavirus within the United Kingdom.

Following the submission of the review paperwork, 2 additional representations had been received in relation to the review:-

South Yorkshire Police

-        A number of reports recorded on Police systems that make reference to The Haynook.

-        Interactions between the Designated Premises Supervisor and Police Officers/Police staff.

A Local Resident

-        Noise nuisance.

-        Anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Further information had also been provided by South Yorkshire Police which the Sub-Committee was requested to consider in private session.

Members were informed of the details of the specific concerns in respect of the management of these premises:-

·        The premises were a large sized premise consisting of 2 main bar areas licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises.  The licence had been in place since September, 2005.

·        The current Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) of the premises had held the position since November, 2019.

·        The Licensing Service had received a complaint from a member of the public on 8^th October, 2020, regarding witnessed disorder out of the premises the previous evening resulting in Police attendance.  The disorder was described as violent in nature and loud shouting.  The complainant further stated they had witnessed incidents of a similar nature previously as well as drug dealing and drug use within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.