Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

As the Applicant was not present, the Sub-Committee agreed to adjourn the meeting for 10 minutes to afford her additional time in the event that she had been delayed.  The Applicant did not attend.

Following the adjournment the Chair made introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed during the meeting.

Jo Till, Section Leader – Licensing, outlined the report regarding an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), which had been circulated to all parties in advance of the meeting.  The matter had been referred to the Sub-Committee following an objection received from the Council’s Environmental Health on the grounds that they were satisfied that allowing the premises to be used in accordance with the notice would undermine the licensing objectives.

Despite several attempts, officers had been unable to make contact with the Applicant, either via the telephone or in person at the address provided.  However, contact had been made with the Events Manager of the premises who had informed the Section Leader – Licensing that the event had been cancelled.

The Chair invited the Environmental Health District Officer to make his representation on behalf of the service.  He stated that the premises were owned by the Council but were run by a team of trustees.  The Events Manager had recently vacated the role which had then been covered by two other trustees.  This had led to a number of events being held for which TENs had not been applied for, which had resulted in complaints from residents of a nearby palliative care home.  The complaints could be summarised as excessive noise until around 5 am consisting of loud music, singing, shouting and the closing of car doors.  In addition, the last event for which a TEN had been granted also attracted similar complaints.  Also of concern was Police intelligence that indicated that some of the events for which TENs had been granted had been fabricated as cover for raves.

Resolved:

That the press and the public be excluded.

The Sub-Committee considered the evidence provided.

Resolved:

          That the press and public be readmitted.

The Chair and the Legal Executive announced the decision of the Sub-Committee.

Resolved:

          That, having regard to the objections of the Environmental Health Authority of the City of Wolverhampton Council and in accordance with Section 105(3) of the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended), a Counter Notice be issued to the Temporary Event Notice Applicant as it is considered necessary for the promotion of the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm licensing objectives, the reasons being as follows:

·      The event would certainly be attended by family members of all ages, including young children;

·      The time requested is excessive;

·      Previous events at this venue have caused significant nuisance to residents nearby.