To confirm the Chair of this Sub-Committee for the duration of this hearing.

Councillor Upton proposed Councillor Miles as Chair for the meeting; Councillor Ottino seconded. 

Councillor Miles was elected as the Chair.?? 

?? 

None.? 

None.? 

The hearing procedures are attached.

The Sub-Committee noted the relevant procedure for the hearing.

The Sub-Committee is asked to determine Thirst’s application, taking into account the details in the report and any representations made at this Sub-Committee meeting.

The Chair invited the Sub-Committee, officers, and applicants to introduce themselves.? 

?? 

Russell Sharland, applicant, and Tobacco Control Officer from Oxfordshire County Council, Kayleigh Esposito, Trading Standards Officer, Rob Opher, the premises licence holder, and Craig Baylis, legal representative for the premises licence holder, were in attendance.  

The Chair reminded all attendees that the meeting would be livestreamed publicly and provided a summary of the order of proceedings.  

The Chair invited the Senior Licensing Compliance Officer to present the report.  

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer provided a comprehensive summary of the report, noting that the Sub-Committee meeting had been convened to determine an application submitted by Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards for a review of the premises Licence in respect of Thirst, 7-8 Park End Street, Oxford.  

Members understood that matters for consideration included: 

• evidence that the licensed premises has been used to store and supply illegal tobacco products on three separate occasions 

• the failure to display the statutory tobacco warning notice 

• the promotion of shisha via social media 

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer emphasised that these matters were contrary to the Council’s licensing objectives of protection of children from harm and prevention of crime and disorder.  

Members understood that although a revocation should be strongly considered, Trading Standards had recommended that a period of suspension with additional recommended conditions be imposed instead. It was suggested this could act as a deterrent, promote the crime and disorder licensing objectives, protect the wider community. 

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer outlined the evidence and documents contained within the report. 

The Sub-Committee were reminded of its responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act, and of matters within the Home Office statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, and the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy.  

Members understood that they must select from the following determinations as it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives: 

a) to modify the conditions of the licence. 

b) to exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the licence. 

c) to remove the designated premises supervisor.  

d) to suspend the licence for a period not exceeding three months. 

            e) to revoke the licence. 

The Chair invited Mr. Sharland to make any representations to the Sub-Committee.??? 

? 

Mr. Sharland comprehensively outlined the investigation conducted by Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council into the sale of shisha products at Thirst bar via a third-party operator. The presentation included a summary of the evidence, an explanation of water pipe tobacco products, and legislation and government guidance relating to the use of shisha on licensed premises. The Sub-Committee were referred to relevant sections of the report throughout this presentation.  

Mr. Sharland also guided the Sub-Committee through details of events and correspondence recorded throughout the investigation, and the mitigation steps which have since been taken by Mr. Opher at Thirst bar.   

The Sub-Committee heard a list of conditions which were recommended as additions to the premises licence for Thirst following the conclusion of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

The dates of future meetings are:

·       17 February 2026

·       9 March 2026

The Sub-Committee noted the dates of future meetings.? ?