Meeting documents

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no interests declared.

The Chairman introduced the parties and explained the procedure to be followed. The Hearing Regulations 2005 stated that the Authority must allow parties an equal period of time in which to present their evidence. It was agreed that the maximum time for each presentation be twenty minutes.

The Licensing Enforcement Officer presented the report, highlighted background information and representations received.

There were no questions for the Licensing Enforcement Officer.

Sergeant Moore then presented the application as detailed in the report and gave some background information. He expressed concerns regarding a lack of engagement with the Police in respect of event planning, the failure rate of alcohol test purchases, training issues, and that conditions on the existing licence had been disregarded. Sergeant Moore reported that there had been a number of meetings between Donington Park management and the responsible authorities since the submission of the application, which had resulted in a series of proposed conditions. Sergeant Moore added that the final test purchase operation had been successful.

In response to questions, Sergeant Moore stated that the challenge 21 policy was in place prior to the test purchase operations. He advised that test purchase operation had never been undertaken at the premises before.

Sergeant Moore handed out a list of draft conditions as agreed with Donington Park for the panel's consideration.

Mr G Crossley then presented his objections as appended to the report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer. These conditions had been agreed with Donington Park and put forward to the panel for consideration.

Mrs K Edmonds then presented her objections as appended to the report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer. She stated that conditions had been discussed and agreed with Donington Park management for the panel's consideration.

Mr C Elston then presented his objections as appended to the report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer. He outlined the additional condition that had been requested regarding a fencing scheme. The wording of the condition to protect the trees was agreed with Donington Park and put forward to the panel for consideration.

Mr Robinson then presented his objections as appended to the report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer. He stated that there had been a failure to comply with the conditions of the current licence which had the potential to endanger the safe operation of the airport. He outlined amendments to the licence that had been discussed and agreed with Donington Park management, and requested the panel to consider them.

Mr Crier stated that the management accepted that there were failings on their part which were largely due to the departure of the former Managing Director. He assured the committee that public safety was taken seriously by the management.

Mr Crossley, Mrs Edmonds, Mr Robinson and the police gave brief closing speeches.

At 3.23pm the Sub Committee adjourned to consider its decision and re-convened at 3.55pm.