There were no declarations of interest.

The Sub-Committee were asked to consider and determine and application made for the review of a premises licence in respect of Foresters Arms, 9 Whitwell Road, E13.

The following parties were present at the hearing:

Matthew Phipps  TLT Solicitors

Andrew Whittington  LBN Licensing Officer

Mr. Nichol  Designated Premises Supervisor

Steve Hunt  Leaseholder and Manager

Craig Farendon  Foresters Arms

DC Fawcett  Metropolitan Police

Duncan Platt  Metropolitan Police

Tom Boow  Metropolitan Police

Ryan Kholi  Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee

Andrew Whittington, reading to the report, advised the Sub-Committee that the review of the premises had been called for on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, following Mr. Nichols refusal to install CCTV at the premises or employ door staff.

DC Tom Boow stated that it was the responsibility of the Police to prevent violence from breaking out, and the pub had been the location for several outbreaks of violence over the past 6 months.  The location of the pub was such that in that part of the Borough it was not the “done thing” to talk to or co-operate with the Police.  He added that CCTV was not installed at the premises, shunned by the management due to financial implications, and door staff were not employed as this would “aggravate the clientele”.  Calls to the Police to attend incidents at the venue were normally received from 2am onwards.

The Police required CCTV to be installed at the premises; in the interior and on the immediate exterior of the premises.  The Sub-Committee were also asked to consider imposing conditions requested by the Police relating to CCTV, door supervisors and the presence of a Designated Premises Supervisor at the premises on specific days and times.

Matthew Phipps addressed the Sub-Committee, observing that a balance had to be struck between the review application and the actuality of what was being dealt with.  The premises licence holder agreed with the request for a DPS to be on the premises on specified days and at specified times; the Sub-Committee were asked to consider the alternative of a Personal Licence Holder.

The premises licence holder had no objection to installing some CCTV at the premises, which could be limited to covering the entrance and exit to the bar to assist the Police in the detection of crime.

Matthew observed that there had been no incidents at the premises since the review application had been submitted, and no representations had been received from any other responsible authorities.  The Sub-Committee were asked to consider the enormity of the financial burden that could be imposed on the premises in proportion to the amount of monies made, should there be a requirement for door supervisors employed for long hours.

There being no further statements or questions, the Sub-Committee resolved to exclude all parties and Officers to allow for a deliberation in private at 1434hrs.  The Chair and Legal Advisor remained.  Following the Sub-Committee reaching their decision all parties returned to the meeting at 1445hrs for the decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.