Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team and Gwent Police have been working to address local concerns following a catalogue of disorder-related incidents around the vicinity of the New Ruperra Sports and Social Club in Trethomas.
As a result, the local licensee of the club on Navigation Street, Trethomas has had their Designated Premises Supervisor status removed.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Licensing Committee initially held a hearing in September 2009, during which it heard that Mrs Heather Street had breached the conditions of her license by allowing nuisance and disorder to take place in and around the premises.
Several warnings had already been issued following incidents of disorder that had occurred late at night, with excessive vehicle noise and patrons shouting. These incidents were causing a disturbance to local residents, including a nearby sheltered housing complex.
However despite warnings from both Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards and Gwent Police, the behaviour continued.
After hearing the evidence, the Licensing Committee decided to remove Mrs Street’s Designated Premises Supervisor status from the premises’ license, and modify the conditions of the premises license itself by bringing back the hours of operation of the premises from 12 midnight until 11.30pm.
The supply of alcohol and recorded music are also to cease half an hour before closing to allow the wind down of the premises, to deter further incidents of rowdy and nuisance behaviour from occurring in future.
The conditions imposed by the Licensing Committee were taken to appeal by the premises license holder, although the appeal was withdrawn before the case was due to be heard at Abertillery Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18th May.
The conditions initially imposed by the Licensing Committee therefore came immediately into effect following the appeal withdrawal.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, Cabinet Member for the Environment said, “This case clearly illustrates that as a Licensing Authority we take the breach of licensing conditions very seriously.
“While the vast majority of premises in Caerphilly county borough take a responsible approach and minimize the disturbance to the community, where a serious disturbance such as this occurs and continues despite numerous warnings, we will not hesitate to investigate, and ultimately support a review of the license if necessary.
“I would encourage any residents who are suffering from noise nuisance related concerns to contact us”.
Gwent Police Licensing Officer, PC Mike Butler, said: “We will continue to take action against any licensed premise that breaches its conditions and causes a disturbance to the local community. Whilst the majority of premises within the county borough adhere responsibly to their conditions, I hope that this case serves as a warning to others. If there is unlawful activity taking place in or around licensed premises, then we will work with our partners to take action against them.”
