Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members.

No declarations of interest were received.

The Sub-Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 2(1)) concerning Licensing Application 11/00796/LQN in respect of The Black Horse, St John’s Road, Thatcham.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Sue Gore (Applicant of Review, Principle Environmental Health Officer, West Berkshire Council), Brian Leahy (Licensing Officer, West Berkshire Council); Patricia Tomlinson and George Bembenek (speaking in support of the review); Beverley Barnaby (landlady), Richard Morgan (DSP), Solicitor from Punch Taverns and Philip Ryder (speaking in objection to the review); Mike King and Dave Milsom (Thames Valley Police, responsible authority), addressed the Sub-Committee on this application.

Alison Beynon, the Council’s Solicitor, referred to a conversation that had been had with the solicitor for Punch Taverns, regarding procedural issues. The Solicitor mentioned that she had not seen the representation made by the police, and felt that the email exchange in the letter was not sufficient proof that they wished to make a representation. Inspector David Milsom replied that there had been mediation with Mrs Beverley Barnaby and Mr Richard Morgan and the points raised in the agenda were what Inspector Milsom and Mike King wished to address. The Solicitor from Punch Taverns wished to ensure that no new information was going to be discussed, and reiterated that the responsible authority had not said that they wished to make representation, nor was there any date or signature on the representation that was on page 24 of the agenda. Inspector Milsom responded that he did not wish to make a new case, but would be able to support the review with information they held.

The Sub-Committee retired at 10:15am to decide if the police had grounds to speak.

The Sub-Committee reconvened at 10:25am.

Councillor Quentin Webb enquired where the attachment on page 24 and 25 came from, as there was no mention of it in the emails. Brian Leahy said that his understanding was that the letter was a result of the police licensing officers meeting with the DPS and Landlady. Councillor Webb further asked how Mr Leahy came in contact with the information. Mr Leahy responded that it was received from Sue Gore after her meeting with Punch Tavern. Mike King further mentioned that an email was sent to the Council on the 1^st July with the attachment.

The Sub-Committee retired at 10:32am to decide whether to give Thames Valley Police speaking rights.

The Sub-Committee reconvened at 10:43am.

Councillor Paul Bryant informed the committee that Members had decided to give the Police permission to speak.

Mr Leahy introduced the report informing the committee that it was a review of the license of the Black Horse Inn, St John’s Road, Thatcham. Mr Leahy said that an anomaly on page 2, where it mentioned supply of alcohol, it should also read, “Thursday, Friday and Saturday” and not just “Thursday & Saturday”. Another change to be noted was in the letter from George Bembenek, on page 15 of the agenda, paragraph 2. It should read “my neighbour had her windows smashed”.

Sue Gore (Principal Environmental Health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.