The Regulatory Sub-Committee met to consider a representation made by Keith Evans Solicitors, representing the premises licence holder, against the interim steps imposed on 25 May 2011 following the expedited licence review of the premises licence for Raduni Indian Cuisine, 66 the Homend, Ledbury, HR8 1BT.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers and asked any interested parties to introduce themselves. He advised them of the hearing procedures and asked if any party required an extension to the 10 minute time limit for public speaking, no extensions were requested.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report and advised members that the full review hearing in respect of the premises had been arranged for 17 June 2011.

Mr Mooney, representing West Mercia Police, addressed the sub committee and advised members of the reasons why the premises had been the subject of a review. He added that in his opinion the suspension should remain in place in order to promote the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

Mr Light, representing the premises licence holder, addressed the sub-committee and advised that the concerns of the police could be addressed through an appropriate condition. He had concerns that the premises had been the subject of an expedited review as he felt that the process should only be used to address incidents of violent crime.

All parties were given the opportunity to sum up their representations in a brief closing statement before the sub committee retired to make its decision.

RESOLVED

That the suspension of the premises licence for Raduni Indian Cuisine be rescinded subject to an additional condition being added to the licence as an interim step and a full review hearing taking place on 17 June 2011.

To consider an application for an ‘expedited licence review’ of the premises licence relating to ‘Korai Ltd T/A Raduni Indian Cuisine, 66 The Homend, Ledbury, HR8 1BT, called by Garry Higgins, Superintendent of the West Mercia Constabulary and represented by Mr James Mooney, Police Licensing Officer.

The Regulatory Sub-Committee was convened in order to determine an application for an expedited review of a premises licence for Raduni Indian Cusine, Ledbury. The Review had been applied for by Superintendent Garry Higgins, representing West Mercia Police. The review related to the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers and asked any interested parties to introduce themselves. The following interested parties were noted:

• James Mooney (Representing the Applicant for the Review)
• Mohammed Hasnath (designated Premises Supervisor)

The Licensing Officer presented his report and advised the sub committee that copies of the application for the review had been sent to the premises licence holder.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, James Mooney, representing West Mercia Police who had requested the review, addressed the sub-committee. He requested that the Sub-Committee suspend the premises licence in accordance with section 53A of the Licensing Act in respect of a recent Border Agency / West Mercia Police investigation regarding people trafficking.

Mr Hasnath advised the sub committee that 4 workers had been detained by the police following the incident on 19 May 2011. He added that these workers were only temporary workers who had advised him that they were permitted to work in the United Kingdom.

RESOLVED

That the premise licence in respect of Raduni Indian Cuisine, 66 The Homend, Ledbury, HR8 1BT be suspended as an interim step pending a full review of the premises to take place within 28 days of the application date.