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 a expedited review had been requested by Northamptonshire Police due to serious crime and/or disorder as a result of a number of incidents on Saturday 11^th February 2012. The Licensing Officer then explained the procedure of the hearing.

Application for the Review

Sgt Worthington from Northamptonshire Police confirmed that they had applied for the expedited review due to serious crime and/or disorder. He commented that the premises was licensed to sell alcohol Mondays to Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 11pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 12 midnight and Sunday 11am to 11pm.

He reported that on Saturday 11^th February 2012 at 00.44 the police drove past the premises and witnessed a number of people fighting outside the premises – 44 minutes after the Premises should have closed. At the same time, a call had been received requesting Police assistance, who were subsequently dispatched to the Jolly Crispin. He stated that during the phone call, the operator could hear glass being smashed in the background before the phone was disconnected. On arrival the Police observed tables being thrown, glasses being smashed and pool cues being used as weapons. They were made aware of someone lying on the floor, who was not breathing and possibly unconscious. Due to the seriousness of disorder, it was explained that the Police Supervisor was asked to attend - 16 Police Officers had been in attendance at one point. He explained the there had been two victims of grievous bodily harm, both of whom had been taken to hospital – one with a fractured skull, the other, a fractured eye socket. It was noted that the Police were concerned about the possibility of reprisals, as it had been mentioned at the time of and shortly after the incident.

Sgt Worthington further explained that the licensee and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) Mrs Andrea Harris was present but was not in a fit state due to extreme intoxication and thus not in control of the premises. He commented that she had been obtuse and uncooperative with the Police and had offered them little assistance in the delivery of first aid. He suggested that the time the police call was logged also indicated that alcohol was being sold after licensable hours. He also expressed concern that there was no CCTV within the premises.

Sgt Worthington explained that historically there had been a number of issues with the premises and informed the Sub Committee members that in August 2011 there had been a serious assault where the victim had been stabbed/slashed and a corrosive substance had been sprayed throughout the bar area of the premises. In May 2011 it was noted that there had been a failed Test Purchase operation where two children (under 18) had been served alcohol. It was reported that the Police considered it necessary for the expedited review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.