The Licensing Sub-Committee of Newport Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a code of practice and an application for a new premises licence. The meeting was to be held at the Council Chambers - Civic Centre. Councillors Farzina Hussain, Debbie Harvey and Janet Cleverly were scheduled to attend.

Turkish-Kurdish Community & Social Club

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss an application by Bahar Oruk for a new premises licence for the Turkish-Kurdish Community & Social Club at 119-121 Chepstow Road, Newport, NP19 8BZ.

The application requested permission to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises between 10:00 and 00:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack noted that representations had been received from Gwent Police and two members of the public, Ismihan Sombul and Ulfet Cecen.

Gwent Police initially raised an objection to the application, but agreed to withdraw it after Ms Oruk agreed to a number of conditions, including:

• Implementing fully documented staff training, including training on the premises licence conditions and the premises' Challenge 25 policy¹.
• Maintaining a CCTV system that covers all licensable areas and stock areas.
• Adopting and implementing an approved proof of age scheme.
• Keeping an incident/refusals logbook.
• Ensuring that under 18s are only permitted on the premises when accompanied by an adult until 22:00.
• Preventing customers from taking alcohol outside of the premises.
• Preventing people from congregating outside the premises upon closing.

Ismihan Sombul, who lives at 149 Chepstow Road, Newport, NP19 8GE, objected to the application on the grounds that it would lead to people standing outside the premises to smoke, which would make her feel unsafe walking home after work. She also stated that it would encourage large groups of people to gather outside, which would negatively impact the road and lead to antisocial behaviour.

Ulfet Cecen, who lives at 146 Chepstow Road, Newport, NP19 8EG, objected to the application on similar grounds, stating that it would impact the ability to safely walk home after work, encourage large amounts of people to gather outside, and adversely impact the road and area, causing antisocial behaviour.

The report pack stated that the Licensing Authority had attempted to mediate with the objectors, but had been unable to reach an agreement at the time of writing.

The report pack also noted that a premises licence had previously been granted to Mohinder Singh in 2020 for the premises, which was then trading as Maindee Poundplus. The licence authorised the sale of alcohol (off sales) between 08:00 and 22:30, Monday to Saturday, and between 10:00 and 22:00 on Sunday. The licence formally lapsed on 6 February 2025, following notification of the death of the licence holder.

Licensing Sub-Committee Code of Practice

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider its code of practice. The code of practice covers a range of issues, including:

• Membership and appointment of the chair
• The role of ward councillors
• Lobbying
• Quorum
• Statutory guidance
• Notice of hearings
• Timescales for arranging hearings
• Form of notice
• Information to be provided
• Requirements for applicants and other persons
• Extensions of time and adjournments
• The hearing
• Site visits
• Determination of applications
• Right of appeal
• Record of proceedings
• Irregularities
• Organisation of cases for the hearing
• Principles of decision-making
• Procedure to be followed at the hearing

The code states that other members must not lobby any member of the Licensing Sub-committee, directly or indirectly, about any application before them. It also states that members of the public or any of the parties must not lobby any members of the Licensing Sub-Committee about any application before them.

If any of the members of the Licensing Sub-Committee are approached by any person about a licensing matter, they should explain that they cannot discuss the matter and refer the person to the Licensing Officer. Any written representations received by individual members of the Licensing Sub-Committee must be passed to the Licensing Officer and reported at the hearing.

-- Conduct and Procedure of Licensing Sub-committee

The code also provides guidance on the procedure to be followed at hearings, including the order in which parties will be heard and the time limits for making representations.