An Aberdare restaurant that generated serious concerns about underage alcohol sales and the effectiveness of staff and management to deal with the important issue has had strict new measures introduced to its license.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership became immediately concerned about the potential problems at Come Enjoy in Duke Street following a series of routine inspections earlier this year.
As such, it took positive and proactive action to nip such issues in the bud and prevent the venue from becoming one that generated issues including underage drinking and associated crime, disorder and personal health and wellbeing problems.
The first, in August, saw Trading Standards visit the premises to find under-18 GCSE students having a celebratory meal after receiving their exam results.
Officers warned management not to sell alcohol to the underage and ensure they asked for identification.
A return to Come Enjoy later the same evening proved the teens had bought alcohol – many without the need for ID.
Trading Standards were concerned alcohol had been served to the underage, advice they had given had been ignored and staff appeared unable to deliver robust systems due to their lack of English.
These concerns were echoed by South Wales Police, who told the Review about underage drinking and the inability of management to get a hold on the situation.
Fire safety measures at Come Enjoy were also inspected by South Wales Fire and Rescue in September and a report of the issues identified, which needed addressing by Come Enjoy, were sent to management.
At the hearing, solicitors for Come Enjoy said the premises accepted the criticism and explained misunderstandings between the Licensee and former DPS had affected the robustness of management.
They confirmed a new DPS, living in the same street as Come Enjoy, had been appointed and that an expert consultant had been brought in to address issues raised by South Wales Fire and Rescue.
The Committee agreed to revise the license held by Come Enjoy and placed the following conditions upon it:
- Operate a Challenge 25 scheme to prevent underage alcohol sales, including the display of prominent warning signs that anyone appearing to be under the age of 25 would be asked for identification to purchase age-restricted products. Only acceptable forms of ID to be a valid passport, photo driving license or PASS accredited proof of age card, such as VALIDATE.
- All staff involved in the sale of alcohol to receive training on Challenge 25 and acceptable forms of identification.
- All training to be documented, signed and dated by individual staff to ensure they have completed and understood it – and agree to uphold it.
- At least one personal license holder, who can communicate in English, to be present at all times when Come Enjoy is open for the sale of alcohol.
- Alcohol only to be sold ancillary to a table meal.
- Retail sale of alcohol to be by means of “on sales” only.
Paul Cannon, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “The majority of RCT’s licensed premises are safe, responsible and well-run premises that offer everyone the chance for a great night out.
“They work hard to ensure they and their staff understand and uphold the law, so the licensed industry can play its part in protecting the vulnerable, especially the underage, from alcohol misuse and associated problems.
“We are pleased there is such a high standard and want to keep it that way by using a robust Licensing system, promotion of the Best Bar None awards and excellent working relationship with management and staff in the industry.
“This is an example of effective use of the licensing system, where initial concerns identified by partner agencies have been dealt with before they were allowed to escalate.
“I hope this serves as a reassurance to the public that we continue to work proactively to ensure all licensed premises meet the high standards we expect.
“It should also serve as a reminder and a warning to others that we do work together to protect the public and, where necessary, will use powers we have to amend, add to or even remove your license.”
