Essex restaurant warned after license breach and ‘strong smell’ of …

A restaurant in Brentwood has been given a formal warning after breaching its alcohol licence. Officers were passing Harrys & Bonnies on St Thomas Road in Brentwood at around 11pm on March 11 when they noticed an event taking place outside. Officers noted a strong smell of cannabis and observed a number of people smoking.

After making initial enquiries, they confirmed the venue’s alcohol licence ended at 10.30pm and no Temporary Event Notice (TEN) was in place. Essex Police engaged with staff to help clear customers from the venue. The matter was reported to the force’s licensing team and further enquiries confirmed no TEN application had been made for the event.

On March 21, licensing officers visited the venue alongside Brentwood Council’s licensing manager to discuss the breach under the Licensing Act 2003. As the venue complied fully with the investigation, Essex Police decided a formal warning would be appropriate in this case. An action plan has been put in place to ensure the venue complies with its licensing conditions in the future.

The breach was uncovered due to Operation Grip, a tactic involving regular, intensive high-visibility police patrols targeted at specific areas of concern. Detective Inspector Karen Miller, Operation Grip Force Coordinator, said: “This is one of many examples of our regular proactive and high-visibility patrols working to ensure people’s safety while enjoying our county’s night-time economy. Work like this reinforces the importance of our frequent hotspot patrols.

“Our officers were able to work closely with the venue, ensuring further breaches do not occur and safely dispersing customers.” Local Policing Inspector Andrew Mullis said: “There are clear and established links between alcohol licensing, the night-time economy and crime reduction. We will always take robust action when dealing with any potential breaches of licensing law, as such breaches are often to the detriment of the quality of life of the local community.

In this case, we were able to work closely with the premises and Brentwood Council to ensure further breaches do not occur.” A statement issued by Harry’s & Bonnie’s said: “[A] non-related party guests smoking cannabis outside the adjacent flats is what caught the police initial eye! Then after they come in to see what was taking place inside, it was established there had been a mix up with who was applying for the Temporary event notice.

First one out of more than 50 to be missed. “Full compliance and assistance with the Police followed and after a meeting with police no further action was taken by Essex Police licensing authority, nor from their colleagues at Brentwood Council licensing department. So the business continues to be a busy popular venue with locals of all ages.”

References

1. ^ Steam engine crashes into house on Essex high street (www.essexlive.news)