absence of quorum

In the absence of a quorum the meeting was adjourned from its original time of 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm.

notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Members present. He explained that the Sub-Committee would consider a review of the premises licence for The Hole in the Wall Public House, Preston Street, Faversham and detailed the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

review of premises licence under the licensing act 2003

PC Haskell, Swale Police, explained that the review had been requested following a number of incidents at The Hole in the Wall Public House since the implementation of the Licensing Act in November 2005. He advised that he had held a meeting with the Designated Premises Supervisor and the leaseholder of the premises that morning and they had agreed to the conditions suggested by the Police. PC Haskell explained that the proposed changes were aimed at altering the customer profile of the premises.

Mr Jackson-Soanes, a representative of GRS Inns Limited, confirmed that he was in agreement with the conditions outlined by the Police but emphasised that any changes would take time to become effective. He informed the Panel of plans to offer food during the day, which they hoped would improve the credibility of the premises.

In response to a question from a Member, Mr Jackson-Soanes explained that door staff had not been employed previously due to financial problems. He further noted that the extended hours granted to the premises had rarely been used and it was therefore unlikely they would apply to vary the proposed hours in future.

A Member commented on the proposed positioning of CCTV cameras, to which Mr Jackson-Soanes explained that he would follow the Police recommendations. This would include the use of external cameras and the relocation of internal cameras.

The Senior Solicitor asked whether the Swale Safe scheme would be used and Mr Jackson-Soanes confirmed that he was in the process of arranging this.

PC Haskell explained that the premises had a central draught lobby, which covered the side door and obstructed the owner's view of the floor area. He requested that the leaseholder apply for planning permission and listed building consent to remove the lobby.

Members further discussed the review; in particular the use of SIA trained door staff and the intended route of the fire exit.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 3.23pm. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and the Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 3.45pm, when the Sub-Committee reconvened.