Agenda and minutes

The Chair introduced Members of the Committee and welcomed everyone to the hearing.

The Licensing Officer outlined the purpose of the Summary Review and explained that the application had been submitted due to an incident of serious crime and/or disorder on the 11^th February 2012. On the 14^th February 2012, a summary hearing took place and the Sub Committee considered it necessary and proportionate to suspend the Premises Licence until the Review hearing and to remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS – Andrea Harris). The Licensing Officer then explained the procedure of the hearing.

Application for the Full Review

Sgt Worthington (Northamptonshire Police) addressed the Sub Committee and outlined the main reasons for the initial expedited review. He stated that there had been a large-scale disturbance at the premises, which had resulted in three people being injured. He further informed Members that a number of statements had been taken from Officers present at the scene.

One PC stated that on arrival various people were heavily intoxicated and a number of people were covered in blood. He was approached by Andrea Harris, who in his opinion also appeared to be intoxicated as she was slurring her words and displayed aggressive behaviour towards the Officer.

Another PC reported that on entering the premises, he observed large amounts of blood next to the dance floor and a man lying on the floor – who appeared to have a severe injury to his eye. Another man also appeared to be bleeding as a result of a head injury. It was stated that he refused medical assistance and was uncooperative with the Police who were trying to assist him.

A further statement from a PC detailed how inside the premises a male was lying on the floor, covered in blood. There was evidence of blood splatters and splashes in a number of areas of the premises and the floor was covered in a mixture of blood and broken glass due to the incident. The PC was of the opinion that Andrea Harris was heavily intoxicated as she had slurred speech, glazed eyes and was uncooperative when being questioned at the scene – her main concern seemed to be whether of not she would be able to open the premises the following day and how long the police would be present.

The Sub Committee were informed that on arrival the Police were aware that alcoholic beverages were still being consumed on the premises but they were not aware how long in advance they had been served.

Sgt Worthington explained that contact had been made with the victims the injuries of which included one person who had a fractured face, jaw and an eye injury that had left him blinded in one eye. The second victim had cuts and bruises.  The Police had attempted to communicate with both the victims to establish the details of the incident, but neither victims had made a complaint and were evasive when questioned by the Police. The Police explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.