An application for an expedited summary review of a Premises License in respect of Casino 36, Temple Street, City Centre, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AQ had been received from West Midlands Police.

The Chair welcomed all parties to the hearing and invited all those present to introduce themselves. All parties did so. He outlined the procedure to be followed and all parties confirmed they understood the procedure.

Debra Craner, Licensing Section Leader, provided an outline of the application. Aimee Taylor, West Midlands Police (WMP), confirmed that the summary was accurate.

The Chair invited the Applicant to present the application. Aimee Taylor did so, as per Appendix 3 of the report. She stated the following:

1.       Serious disorder involving the use of weapons had taken place at a private party at Casino 36 on Sunday 14 November at 02:00. Two males had been stabbed.

2.       CCTV showed three males enter the party, without showing their wristbands or having their IDs checked.

3.       Staff from the premises sounded the fire alarm to remove patrons from the venue.

4.       Two males were rushed to hospital with stab wounds and there is currently an attempted murder investigation ongoing.

5.       WMP are happy for the premises to remain open but wish to impose interim steps on Casino 36.

The Chair invited the representatives of the Premises Licence Holder to make representations. David Lowry, Head of Compliance, and James Thomas-Horton, Commercial Manager, did so.

They stated that the incident was an isolated, targeted incident, and the premises had an otherwise exceptional record. They stated that the premises was happy to work with WMP and accept the interim conditions.  

Responding to questions asked, Aimee Taylor, WMP, clarified the conditions as follows:

1.       Immediate Closure of the function room and Champagne Lounge and suspension of all parties booked for this room for 28 days.

2.       Nobody will pass through the internal main doors into the casino, without being signed in, including anyone employed by the casino to conduct work. There should be a register kept of every person entering and leaving the casino, which can be provided to a member of responsible authority upon request.

3.       All planned events in the sports bar or anywhere else on the premises shall be sent to West Midlands Police Licensing within 3 days of booking and, if so requested by West Midlands Police, shall be cancelled.

4.       All new event bookings for the sports bar shall be sent to West Midlands Police Licensing before the booking is confirmed and shall not go ahead without the express written permission of West Midlands Police.

Councillor Page, Councillor Inston, Councillor Dalton, Sarah Hardwick, Senior Solicitor, and the Democratic Services Assistant, withdrew from the meeting to enable the Sub-Committee to determine the matter.

The Sub-Committee adjourned at 10.24 hours.

The Hearing reconvened at 10.50 hours.

Councillor Page, Councillor Inston, Councillor Dalton, the Senior Solicitor and Democratic Services Assistant re-joined the meeting.

The Chair advised all parties of the decision of the Sub-Committee, which was read out by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4