Agenda and minutes

Councillor Dormer was elected as Chair for the Hearing.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair welcomed all those present to the hearing and introduced Members and Officers.

All parties in attendance introduced themselves, which included Leanne Ringrose, the General Manager of Popzone, Shean Keystone, Co-Owner of Popzone and Robert Edge, the Applicant’s Agent (of Licence Leader Ltd), speaking in support of the application. PC Rebecca O’Keeffe and PC Gemma Gibbs of West Mercia Police were in attendance to speak in objection.

At the invitation of the Chair, The Technical Officer (Licensing), Worcestershire Regulatory Services, presented the report and detailed that,On 11 November 2025 a temporary event notice (TEN) application was received from Mrs Leanne Jean Ringrose in respect of licensable activities being proposed to take place at:

Popzone

12 Market Place

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 8AA

The applicant stated that the nature of the event was a Christmas function for McDonald’s staff, therefore, the TEN was seeking to permit under 18’s to be present throughout the function on 10^th and 11^th December 2025. This was contrary to the licence condition currently attached to the premises which stated, “Under 18s are permitted until 20.00, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times and when attending a specific event eg family fun days.”

An objection notice had been received from PC O’Keefe, sent on behalf of the Chief Officer of West Mercia Police. Concerns were raised in relation to the licensing objective of the Protection of Children from Harm.

The Committee was obliged to determine the application with a view to the promotion of the licensing objectives:

•         the prevention of crime and disorder;

•         public safety;

•         the prevention of public nuisance;

•         the protection of children from harm.

In making its decision, the Sub-Committee was also obliged to have regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy.

Following the report, there were no questions for the Licencing Officer from any party.

At the invitation of the Chair, Robert Edge who was the Applicant’s Agent addressed the hearing. Mr edge stated Mrs Ringrose submitted the application in November 2025 to hold a Christmas party for McDonalds staff which included those under the age of 18 (but over the age of 16). A TEN was required as the venue did not permit under 18s to be on site after 20:00 hours.

The event was not planned to be a typical nighttime event as it was a Christmas party and McDonalds wanted to give all staff the opportunity to attend. Therefore, there would be greater monitoring and supervision when compared to a usual nightclub evening.

Mr Edge detailed a number of measures that were proposed to limit the risk of harm to children, these included:

• Wrist bands being worn by all attendees (Green for 18 and over and Red for Under 18) – these would be distributed by McDonalds.
• I.D checks of all persons on entry to ensure that they were wearing the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.