The report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel considered a report from the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing.  The Hearing Panel also considered the written papers of the parties submitted and the oral representations of the parties who attended as well as the relevant legislation.

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) representative addressed the Hearing Panel and requested that the Hearing Panel agree to the request for the exclusion of the public, for the reason that there is an ongoing serious crime investigation relating to the premises. The GMP representative state that having the hearing in public may prejudice the ongoing investigation.

The Chair invited views of those present at the hearing.

In response, the Manchester Evening News representative observing the proceedings stated that the incidents are already in the public domain and further information could be redacted to prevent prejudice to the investigation.

The Hearing Panel requested all parties and public to leave the meeting room and deliberated in private. All parties and public were readmitted to the meeting room and a proposal to exclude the press and public was agreed on the basis that it would be in the public interest to exclude the public under Regulation 14 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, as there was a possibility that the representations made, and evidence presented would prejudice the ongoing police investigations. The public would not be excluded from the decision being announced to all parties.

Following the exclusion of the public, the Chair followed the hearing procedure and invited presentations from the parties present and in doing so questions were asked by the panel.

In its deliberation, the panel considered the serious nature of the incident involving serious violence, albeit at a different premises. The panel was concerned that if the premises was to remain open, there is a possibility of reprisals and further violence. The panel were not satisfied that staff, patrons and members of the community would be safe from possible reprisals if the premises remained open.

Decision

To suspend the licence, pending the review hearing on Thursday 6 March 2023.

The report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel considered a report from the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing.  The Hearing Panel also considered the written papers of the parties submitted and the oral representations of the parties who attended as well as the relevant legislation.

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) representative addressed the Hearing Panel and requested that the Hearing Panel agree to the request for the exclusion of the public, for the reason that there is an ongoing serious crime investigation relating to the premises. The GMP representative state that having the hearing in public may prejudice the ongoing investigation.

The Chair invited views of those present at the hearing.

In response, the Manchester Evening News representative observing the proceedings stated that the incidents are already in the public domain and further information could be redacted to prevent prejudice to the investigation.

The Hearing Panel requested all parties and public to leave the meeting room and deliberated in private. All parties and public were readmitted to the meeting room and a proposal to exclude the press and public was agreed on the basis that it would be in the public interest to exclude the public under Regulation 14 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, as there was a possibility that the representations made, and evidence presented would prejudice the ongoing police investigations. The public would not be excluded from the decision being announced to all parties.

Following the exclusion of the public, the Chair followed the hearing procedure and invited presentations from the parties present and in doing so questions were asked by the panel.

In its deliberation, the panel considered the serious nature of the incident involving serious violence. The panel was concerned that if the premises was to remain open, there is a possibility of reprisals and further violence. The panel were not satisfied that staff, patrons and members of the community would be safe from possible reprisals if the premises remained open.

Decision

To suspend the licence, pending the full review on Thursday 6 March 2023.