The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the sub-committee would comprise Councillors Feldman, Hofman and Wenham.

The sub-committee was asked to elect a Chair for the hearing.

RESOLVED –

that Councillor Wenham be elected Chair for this hearing.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The Chair, Councillor Wenham, welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked all present to introduce themselves.

The Chair invited the Senior Licensing Officer to introduce the report.

The Senior Licensing Officer advised that there were no preliminary matters for members' attention.

Introduction to the application

The sub-committee received a report from the Senior Licensing Officer, which outlined an application that had been made by Srithas Sundralingham for a new premises licence for DKSR, located at 164 Whippendell Road, Watford, WD18 7NB. 

The application sought a licence for off-sales of alcohol between the hours of 10:00 and 23:00 from Monday to Sunday.  The premises did not currently have a licence.

Two representations had been received: from Hertfordshire Constabulary in their role as responsible authority and Liam Fitzgerald of Watford Borough Council.  The officer advised that the report contained a factual outline of the previous history of the premises.  However, he advised members that the previous decision was not for debate at this meeting, but they should make their decision based on the evidence presented at this hearing.  He reminded members that it was preferable to make a decision the same day, otherwise it needed to be made within five working days of the meeting.

There were no questions for the Senior Licensing Officer.

Representations

The Chair invited Jo Tomkins of Hertfordshire Constabulary to present the representation on behalf of the Police.

Jo Tomkins informed the sub-committee that Hertfordshire Constabulary wished to object to the new premises licence for DKSR.  The premises had a long history of issues, which started in 2010.  The premises licence was revoked following a breach.  She outlined the issues that had led to the revocation and the appeals was lost.  At a later date a further application was made and this was refused.  Anti-social behaviour had reduced whilst the premises was not licensed.  A licence was granted in 2012 to Miss Sundralingham, which included 20 conditions.  This licence was reviewed in 2013 following breaches.  However, before the hearing was held the licence was surrendered.  The Police met the current applicant and his daughter in 2018 when they wished to submit a new licence application.  There was no evidence to show the situation had changed.  This application was withdrawn.  An incident then occurred whilst the premises did not hold a licence for the sale of alcohol.  However due to an error message on the CCTV the case could not be proven in order to take the matter further.  A new application was then submitted in 2021 which was refused.  She was concerned that if a new premises licence was granted the licensing objectives would be undermined.  The Police had worked hard to manage the premises in the past, but it had been irresponsibly operated.

The applicant’s representative had no questions for Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Senior Licensing Officer.

Members then posed questions to the officer about the applicant’s behaviour over the previous years. 

The officer responded that there had been several breaches which made her question the applicant’s ability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.