Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To pass the following resolution:

That in accordance with section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 7 of schedule 12A to the act relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business as it involves exempt information falling within paragraph 7 of Schedule 12A to the Act relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

In Attendance

For the Premises

Mr S S Dhillon – Premises Licence Holder and Designated Premises Supervisor for Evo’s Spirit

Mr P S Dhillon – former Premises Licence Holder and Designated Premises Supervisor for Evo’s Spirit

Responsible Authorities

E Moreton – Licensing Authority

B Clarkson and PC M Harvey - West Midlands Police

P Dosanjh – [Section Lead, Trading Standards] – witness for Licensing Authority

J Hickman – [Local Authority Child Employment Officer] – witness for Licensing Authority

J Till – Compliance Officer – witness for Licensing Authority

The Chair made introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed at the hearing.

The Section Leader [Licensing] introduced the report, which sought consideration of the application to review the premises licence for Evo’s Spirit, 65 High Street, Bilston.

PC Harvey outlined the application to review the premises licence and, in so doing, advised that the police investigation in regard to the allegations against Mr Permjit Singh Dhillon were ongoing, that a number of visits had been made to the premises and he was complying with the current bail conditions. However, because of Mr P S Dhillon’s constant presence at the premises, the police still had grave concerns that children could be at the risk of harm.

Responding to questions, PC Harvey indicated that different adults and been in attendance at the premises when visited and identification had not been sought on all occasions. The bail conditions were in place until 19 June, but given the nature of the allegations, the police were still concerned regarding Mr P S Dhillon’s presence at the premises.

Mr S S Dhillon indicated that he had requested that this meeting be deferred to allow him time to seek legal representation.  It was clarified, however, that details of the hearing had been sent first class to Mr P S Dhillon and Mr S S Dhillon on 28 May giving adequate time to seek legal representation.  Mr S S Dhillon agreed to withdraw his request and to continue with the hearing. He produced a document responding to issues raised by the Licensing Authority, summarising his reasons why the premises licence should not be revoked and appending some cash flow information, which was printed and circulated to all parties at the hearing.

Mr S S Dhillon drew attention to the issue with waste disposal, which he stated was the only problem he had when holding the premised licence. He further advised that he was currently awaiting a DBS check on a potential applicant to take over the premises.

Responding to questions, Mr S S Dhillon advised that the proposed new owner was not a relative of his. He advised that the management responsibilities were not confused and that he was responsible for buying and selling and for the end of year accounts.

At this juncture Elaine Moreton outlined the representations made by the Licensing Authority in support the review request made by the West Midlands Police.  She advised that there had been no evidence forthcoming that either  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.