The future of a Plymouth nightlife venue is hanging in the balance after police secured the suspension of its premises licence while allegations of serious crime and disorder are examined.
Devon & Cornwall Police submitted an application for a summary review of the premises licence for The Complex, at 8 Keyham Road, Keyham, under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003. The application states the premises is associated with both serious crime and serious disorder.
According to a report prepared for Plymouth City Council’s Licensing Sub Committee, the application was received on Tuesday, May 5. Superintendent Reid submitted a certificate and review application requesting that the venue’s licence be reconsidered.
The premises licence is held by The Complex @ No.6 Limited. The sole director of the company is Huw Jones, who is also the designated premises supervisor for the venue.
A meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee was held on Wednesday, May 6 to consider whether interim measures should be introduced while the review process continues. After considering the information available at the time, councillors decided to suspend the premises licence.
A licensing officer subsequently attended the premises on the afternoon of May 6 to display a site notice, while a similar notice was published online later that day.
The council report states the Licensing Authority must determine the review within 28 days of receiving the application.
The venue’s licence permits a range of activities including live music, recorded music, dance performances, late-night refreshment and the sale of alcohol, with opening hours extending into the early hours of the morning.
The report notes that no representations were received from Environmental Health, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Trading Standards, planning officers, child protection services, the Health & Safety Executive, Public Health, Immigration Enforcement or the Licensing Authority.
Seven letters supporting the licence holder were submitted by residents. A further four representations were rejected because they did not relate to the licensing objectives.
When determining the review, councillors must consider the promotion of the licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
The committee has a number of options available, including modifying licence conditions, removing licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months or revoking the licence entirely.
Any decision may be appealed to the magistrates’ court within 21 days of notification. The report states any interim steps will remain in force during the appeal period.
