Councillor Douglas-Dunbar was elected as Chairwoman for the meeting.

To consider an application for a Review of a Premises Licence in respect of Zakopane, 16 Market Street, Torquay.

Members considered a report on a review of a Premises Licence in respect of Zakopane, 16 Market Street, Torquay.

Written Representations received from:

Additional Information:

Upon the publication of the agenda the following documents were circulated to all parties:

-       Email correspondence between Mr Salah’s Legal Advisor, Trading Standards and the Police, circulated on 1 August 2025;

-       Witness statement (exempt) circulated on 1 August 2025;

-       Two witness statements (exempt), report from a Licensing Consultant and training presentation circulated on 1 August 2025;

-       Statement of Truth and appended Premises Licence circulated on 5 August 2025; and

-       Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service Witness Statement dated 5 August 2025, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service Witness Statement dated 6 August 2025, Witness Statement dated 4 April 2025, statement from an illicit tobacco control officer undated were all Circulated on 6 August 2025.

Upon commencement of the Hearing, the Applicant and Mr Salah’s Legal Advisor were asked provide to submissions regarding whether the Sub-Committee would need exclude the press and public in order to hear their evidence.  The Applicant confirmed their oral representation could be heard in public.  Mr Salah’s Legal Advisor advised he would need to share a small element of his oral submission in private.  The Sub-Committee agreed to hold the majority of the Hearing in public and would exclude the press and public when necessary.

Oral Representations received from:

Decision 

That the Premises Licence in respect of Zakopane, 16 Market Street, Torquay be revoked. 

Reasons for Decision 

Having carefully considered all the written and oral Representations, Members of the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee unanimously resolved to revoke the Premises Licence having been satisfied, having considered all the evidence before them, that the Premises Licence Holder, Mr Salah had demonstrated a sustained failure to uphold the Licensing Objective, The Prevention of Crime and Disorder and was not a fit and proper person to hold a Premises Licence.  

Members heard from Officers from Trading Standards,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.