Agenda item

An application has been made to review the premises licence for White Hart, Corn Market, Wimborne. The application has been out to public consultation.  A Licensing Sub-Committee must consider the application and representations at a public hearing. 

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report for an application by Dorset Police to review the premises licence for White Hart, Corn Market, Wimborne, following an incident at the premises in November 2023 which had escalated and resulted in a large altercation outside the premises.

Marston’s Plc, the premises licence holder, had taken immediate action to remove the Designated Premises Supervisor from the White Hart’s premises licence and subsequently closed the premises.   Additional supplementary information and CCTV footage had been received and seen by the Sub-committee, however due to ongoing police investigations this could not be shown in the public domain.

The options available to the Sub-committee were highlighted.

In response to Member questions the Senior Licensing Officer confirmed that there had been no other previous reported concerns relating to the premises.

There were no questions from Dorset Police, Marston’s or the Corn Market Residents Association (CMRA).

The four members of the CMRA were invited to address the committee with their comments.

They referred to previous incidents involving drugs and raised concerns that the premises was well known for having drugs available. A probationary period was suggested for the new management to ensure that appropriate action was taken to turn the premises around.  Other concerns for residents included smoking outside the premises in Corn Market and noise levels.

The Sub-committee, Dorset Police, Marston’s and the Senior Licensing Officer were given the opportunity to ask questions of the CMRA members.

Following public representation, under the Regulations governing the hearing, it was decided that the public should be excluded from part of the hearing as there were matters that needed to be referred to which were not in the public domain.

Decision

That the press and the public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting 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 Sub-committee moved into private session where all parties were given the opportunity to put forward their case, ask questions of the other parties and invited to sum up their case prior to the Sub-committee retiring to make their decision.

Decision

To alter the hours during which licensable activities can take place and to modify the conditions of the premises licence.