Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a Chair for the meeting and the Chair to present and explain the procedure for the meeting.

Proposed by Cllr Jill Haynes and seconded by Cllr Jack Jeanes.

Decision: That Cllr Derek Beer be elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

An application has been made to review the premises licence for Weymouth Tandoori, 45-49 Maiden Street, Weymouth. The application has been out to public consultation. A Licensing Sub-Committee must consider the application and representations at a public hearing.

Kathryn Miller, the Senior Licensing Officer presented a report setting out the application for the review of a premises licence for “Weymouth Tandoori, Weymouth”. The review had been made in connection with the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder as the Licence Holder was associated with employing illegal workers which was contrary to Immigration Legislation. Therefore, members were advised that a hearing had to be held to determine the application. The Senior Licensing Officer referred to appendix 1 and 2 which detailed the current terms of the licence. In consultation with partners from HM Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement Team (Home Office), Dorset Police no longer had confidence in the Designated Premises Supervisor or Premises Licence Holder to uphold the licensing objectives.

Since the report was published, further emails and correspondence had passed between the two parties. A Councillor for Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council wrote in support of the review and the Ward Member for Melcombe Regis made comment on the application Further details were provided regarding the possible actions which could be undertaken by the Licensing Sub-Committee regarding adding additional conditions, the suspension or revocation of the licence.

There were no questions from members at this time.

Dorset Police, the applicant for the review, highlighted that they had included as much information in written form and would keep their representation brief. Sergeant G Gosling added that it had been recognised by Dorset Police that licensed premises were intended to provide social and economic value to communities. When objectives were undermined, it was essential to take any necessary action. He referred to the guidance which stated that revoking a licence should be a consideration. Sergeant G Gosling informed members that Dorset Police had engaged in mediation to try and identify possible agreed action in advance of the hearing, however, this had not been possible. Dorset Police were grateful for the support provided by the immigration team and on balance did not have confidence that licensing objectives would be upheld by the licence holder.

Cllr Derek Beer confirmed that members present had read all the information submitted in the report. 

There were no questions from members at this time.

Mr Monro referred to comments regarding mediation between the parties which members had seen sight off, however, it did not feel like mediation and other solutions should have been considered. The agent also felt that revoking of the licence was unnecessary, and it would be better to add conditions.

Sergeant G Gosling explained that a variety of reviews had been conducted. Engaging in mediation was one of the processes which was licence holder led. To ensure this, officers may visit premises and engage in additional communication to prevent a review taking place. However, whilst grateful for the measures put in place, hid concerns remained. Sergeant G Gosling felt that the only available outcome was a review. Dorset Police had tried to be as clear as they could and all the relevant information regarding the premises had been included  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115.

To consider any items of business which the Chair has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.