Agenda and minutes

To appoint a Chair for the meeting.

Councillor Walford was elected Chair for the meeting.

Those present to introduce themselves and the Chair to outline the procedure for the meeting.

Those present introduced themselves and the Chair outlined the procedure to be followed for the meeting

No declarations were made on this occasion.

To consider the application for the review of a Premises Licence under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the Czech and Slovak store located at 171 Barton Street, Gloucester.

Licensing Officer’s Report

The City Centre Improvement Officer presented a report inviting members to consider an application from Gloucestershire Constabulary to review an existing Premises Licence in respect of Czech and Slovak Store, 171 Barton Street, Gloucester, GL1 4HT.

Solicitors Report 

Michael Griffiths, the head of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s legal service, presented a report detailing the application made by Gloucestershire Constabulary for a review of the Czech and Slovaks licence.

Mr Griffiths pointed to section 51 of the Licensing Act of 2003 which stated that where a Premises Licence had taken effect, a ‘responsible authority’ could apply to the relevant Licensing Authority for a review of that licence. Mr Griffiths noted that Gloucestershire Constabulary was the responsible authority applying for the review of the Czech and Slovaks store licence. He added that this was in response to a ‘number of events’ that had occurred at the property.

Mr Griffiths stated that the licence for the Czech and Slovak store had been granted on the 17th October 2019. He added that Mr Ferizolli was the licence holder for the store and was also the DPS.

Mr Griffiths said that the application to review the licence was as a result of concerns around three of the Licensing Objectives including a concern for Public Safety, the protection of Children from Harm and the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.

Mr Griffiths stated that within a couple of weeks of the licence being granted, serious concerns had been raised, including an allegation that Mr Ferizolli had been responsible for an alleged attack on a member of the public using a dog chain.

Mr Griffiths pointed to a witness statement by an anonymous witness, and one by PC Hobbs outlined in the report detailing the alleged assault on Wednesday 30th October 2019.

Mr Griffiths stated that the Police had attempted to contact Mr Ferizolli numerous times and that it had been difficult to make contact with him. He added that the issue of alleged assault would have to be dealt with at a later date.

Mr Griffiths stated that after the alleged assault on the 30th October 2019, PC Matt Hammond went to the premises on the 4th November 2019 and noticed multiple breaches of the Premises Licence conditions. Details of which are outlined in the report.

Mr Griffiths said that an individual working at the shop, Mr Cretu told PC Matt Hammond that the CCTV had ‘never worked’.

Mr Griffiths stated that the Police had also intended to conduct a test purchase on the 4th November 2019, which had to be delayed as there was an altercation on the premises, where a member of the public got an injured nose.

Mr Griffiths said that the Police subsequently visited the premises on the 5th November 2019 for a test purchase of alcohol (Details outlined in the report).

Mr Griffiths stated that a police cadet aged 16 years old purchased four cans of 7% lager and that the employee conducted no age verification check.

Mr Griffiths said that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.