To re-consider an application for the review of a premises licence in respect of the ‘Kings Acre Post Office & Stores, 95 Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0RQ’.

The Regulatory Sub-Committee was convened in order to determine an application for a review of a premises licence for Kings Acre Post Office and Stores, 95 Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0RQ. The Review had been applied for by Herefordshire Council’s Licensing team. The review related to the licensing objectives of the protection of children from harm and 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 (West Mercia Police)
• Fred Spriggs (Applicant for Review)
• Jacqueline Mantle (Premises Licence Holder)

The Chairman advised the attendees of the hearing procedures and asked if they required an extension to the 10 minute time limit for public speaking, no extensions to the time limit were requested.

The Sub-Committee were advised that the premises had failed a test purchase operation on 14 September 2012 when a member of staff had served a 15 year old male and a 16 year old female with alcohol.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, Fred Spriggs, the applicant for the review, addressed the sub-committee. He drew members’ attention to three proposed conditions covering a refusals register, staff training and challenge 25, which were contained within his representation.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, James Mooney, representing West Mercia Police, concurred with the Licensing Officer but sought clarification in respect of the premises licence holder’s training history. He noted that the premises licence holder had not been trained to BIIAB standard and suggested that any condition also ensure that she was subject to at least the same level of training as her staff.

The Sub-Committee retired to make their decision. The Acting Principal Lawyer and the Democratic Services Officer retired with the Sub-Committee to offer legal and procedural advice.

The Sub-Committee decided that the three proposed conditions should be attached to the licence. It was noted that the condition requiring training referred to ‘all staff’ and that this would also include the premises licence holder.

RESOLVED

That the following conditions be attached to the licence to address the concerns of the Licensing Authority, the Police and Trading Standards.

·         All staff engaged in the sale of alcohol to be trained in Responsible alcohol retailing to the minimum standard of BIIAB level 1 or any equivalent training agreed by Herefordshire Council Trading Standards within 1 month of commencing employment at the premises. (Where there are existing staff this training shall be completed within 3 months of the date that this condition first appears on the licence).Retraining to take place every 6 months. Training records shall be kept on the premises and produced to the police or an ‘authorised person’ (as defined by Section 13 of the Licensing Act 2003) or an authorised Trading Standards Officer of Herefordshire Council on demand

·         A written register of refusals will be kept including a description of the people who have been unable to provide required Identification to prove their age. Such records shall be kept for a period of 12 months and will be collected on a daily basis by the Designated Premises Supervisor and produced to the police or an ‘authorised person’ (as defined by Section 13 of the Licensing Act 2003) or an authorised Trading Standards Officer of Herefordshire Council on demand.

·         The premises shall operate a Challenge 25 Policy. Such policy shall be written down and kept at the premises. The policy shall be produced on demand of the Police or an ‘authorised person’ (as defined by Section 13 of the Licensing Act 2003) or an authorised Trading Standards Officer of Herefordshire Council. Prominent, clear and legible signage (in not less than 32 font bold) shall also be displayed at all entrances to the premises as well as at, at least one location behind any counter advertising the scheme operated.