Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Chief Executive submitted a report for the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee advising members an application to review a premises licence in respect of – Vinny’s Nooze and Booze, 83 – 85 Water Street, Chorley had been received from Lancashire Constabulary.

The applicant, PC Stephen Connolly, representing Lancashire Constabulary, Mr. Jason Middleton representing Lancashire County Council Trading Standards and Mr. Nathan Howson, Enforcement Team Leader (Licensing) were in attendance.

The Premises Licence Holder (PLH) and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), Mr Vinod Vishram Halai and his wife, Mrs Ranjhu Halai were also in attendance.

Presentation of the Report

Mr Nathan Howson, Enforcement Team leader (Licensing) presented the committee report which gave details of the application received on 13 June 2023 from Lancashire Constabulary requesting a review of the premises licence.

The licence was transferred into the current licence holder’s name on 26 August 2009.

The location of the premises is within a row of businesses and on the corner of Water Street and Congress Street, with residential properties to the rear and the A6 to the front.

The application to review, was received from PC 6884 Connolly, for and on behalf of the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary and was concerned that the licensing objectives ‘The Prevention of Crime and Disorder’ and ‘The Protection of Children from Harm’ were being undermined at the premises.

The premises had failed two test purchases of age-restricted products in quick succession. A trimming knife was sold to a 13 year old  on 17 May 2023 and alcohol was sold to a 16 and 17 year old on 2 June 2023.

The application was advertised in accordance with the regulations, a notice was displayed at the premises, at the Council Offices and a copy of the application published on the Council’s website for the whole 28-day consultation period.

During this period and on 19 June 2023, a representation was received from Mr Jason Middleton, Principal Officer Alcohol and Tobacco of Lancashire County Council. This representation related to ‘The Prevention of Crime and Disorder’ and ‘The Protection of Children from Harm’ licensing objectives.

On 28 June 2023, additional documents were provided by PC Connolly to support his application.

Representations made by the applicant

Before introducing his application, PC Connolly referred to the fact that within 0.6 miles of the premises there were four schools, a mixture of primary and secondary providers.

The premises had one previous test purchase, in which it passed in 2013. There had been no police intervention or intelligence to suggest the premises had been selling alcohol or age restricted products to underage customers.

As part of Operation Sceptre, Vinny’s Nooze and Booze was subject to a test purchase with an underage child attempting to buy a knife. A trimming knife was sold to a 13 year old. PC Connolly gave a brief explanation of what a trimming knife is and explained the damage that such a blade could cause.

Following the test purchase, the premises was visited by Trading Standards and advice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3