Woman questioned over holding '˜unlicensed parties' in Sheffield

Unlicensed parties have been held in a former Sheffield car showroom, according to council documents.
Marina Events. Picture: Marie CaleyMarina Events. Picture: Marie Caley
Marina Events. Picture: Marie Caley

South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Safeguarding and Children’s Board have raised issues about reported events being held on a site on Petre Street in Pitsmoor.

In objection documents submitted to Sheffield Council’s licencing committee, issues were raised surrounding anti-social behaviour and children’s access to alcohol.

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But the owner of Marina Events, Mahya Abdulla, has now applied for a license to hold such events claiming she ‘didn’t know she needed one’.

A meeting due to be held at Sheffield Council to discuss the application but it was adjourned.

The owner, in the application, stated the event would mainly host ‘Arabic wedding parties’ and ‘religious events’.

Ms Abdullah is currently being investigated for ‘unauthorised activities’ at the Pitsmoor plot and was interviewed under caution by licensing officers in April.

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They received reports from multiple agencies alleging unlicensed parties they had witnessed back in March.

A letter sent to the council from South Yorkshire Police’s Licencing Board outlines a number of concerns about the application.

It said: “The premises has already been a cause for concern over recent months with a number of complaints received during unlicensed events.

“The complaints have centred around loud music emanating from the premise and anti-social behaviour from customers. We’ve also had reports of vehicle damage in the vicinity following an event.

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“We are aware the premises have been holding licensing activities without valid permission. Although this is a separate matter being explored, we feel this is reflection on the current management.

“Ms Abdullah in her own admission, has explained the inability to control numbers at previous unlicensed events and has provided very little evidence how the four licensing objectives will be upheld in the application.

“We would strongly recommend that if the application is granted, robust measures should be in place to ensure all licensing objectives are upheld.”

South Yorkshire Police are said to have visited the premises a number of times due to the ‘significant risk’ of harm to children and young people who access the site.

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Schools and community centres have both notified police in the past.

Sheffield Safeguarding and Children’s Board licensing manager, Julie Hague also sent a letter of objection to the council.

Ms Hague said: “When I asked the applicant what policies and procedures were in place for the protection of children at the venue, unfortunately Ms Abdullah was unable to explain or describe any safeguarding policy, including an age verification process.”

A new hearing date is to be scheduled for later this year.