Agenda and minutes

The Chair introduced members of the committee and welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

The Licensing Officer outlined the purpose of the hearing and explained that an application for the review of the premises had been received from Northamptonshire Police on 2 of the Licensing Objectives; the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. The Licensing Officer then explained the procedure of the hearing.

Application for the Review

PC Bryan from Northamptonshire Police confirmed that they had applied for the review on the grounds of the Licensing Objectives of Crime and Disorder and Protection of Children from Harm following a preliminary test purchase on the 30^th September 2011 and a subsequent test purchase on the 21^st October 2011. Two 15-year-old children had purchased alcohol on both occasions and the sellers had been dealt by way of a Penalty Notice for Disorder to the sum of £80, both tickets of which had been paid. It was noted that the Premises License Holder, Mr Yogesh Popatlal Gohel (Raybeck Enterprises Ltd), had been interviewed at Campbell Square Police Station under caution for the offence of Persistently Selling Alcohol to Children contrary to Section 2147a of the Licensing Act 2003.

In response to questions of the Sub Committee, PC Bryan explained that on both occasions it had been the same person who was caught selling – Mr Devjee. He further explained that respondents were bought before the Sub Committee if they had two failed test purchases and not three, which had previously been law.  Asked if there had been any test purchases carried out in the weeks between the Test Purchase Operations, PC Bryan explained that none had taken place during this time or after the latter incident.

Representation by the Respondent.

Mr Gohel stated that he fully understood his responsibilities as both a Personal License Holder and the Director of Raybeck Enterprises. He explained that he had not been responsible or present when the underage sales had occurred but reported that substantive and fundamental changes had been made to the operation of the premises. He stated that he was very determined and committed to improving his business and reported that the seller (Mr Devjee) had been removed from the premises as a result of the underage sales and for theft from the premises. Mr Gohel proceeded to inform the Sub Committee that the changes made included further training of his staff with regards to the refusal logbook and reiterating to staff the importance of requesting photographic ID when selling age related products.

In response to questions asked by the Sub Committee, Mr Gohal explained that the seller had received verbal training off himself. Asked if Mr Devjee had been removed from the premises for stealing or for the offence of under age selling, Mr Gohal explained that the two had happened simultaneously and was therefore removed as a result of both actions. In response to a further question, Mr Gohel explained that the sale of alcohol contributed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.