The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Urban Leisure (BX) Limited. The committee was also set to review the council's licensing sub-committee hearings procedure.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The committee was scheduled to review the established procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings. This procedure, based on regulations made under the Licensing Act 2003, is designed to ensure natural justice and a fair hearing for all parties involved. The procedure outlines the roles of the Governance Officer and the Chair, the process for presenting cases, and the methods for deliberation and determination of applications. It also details the steps to be followed if a decision is to be made within five working days of the hearing, as well as information on how to appeal against a decision.

New Premises Licence Application for Urban Leisure (BX) Limited

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of a new premises licence application for Urban Leisure (BX) Limited, located at Units 1 And 2 Plot 14, 37-41 Merchant Street, Brent Cross Town, London NW2 8BA. The application, submitted under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, sought authorisation for various licensable activities, including the exhibition of films, performance of live and recorded music, provision of late-night refreshment, and the sale or supply of alcohol.

The report indicated that a representation had been received from Steve Richardson, a Scientific Officer in the Assurance and Public Protection Department at Barnet Council. This representation was made under the licensing objective to Prevent Public Nuisance and raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance to nearby residential flats, particularly regarding the proposed late-night hours and the extension of licensed activities on notable days. Mr. Richardson suggested attaching specific conditions to any granted licence, such as providing residents with regular event information, maintaining a direct telephone line for noise complaints, and implementing a trial period for extended hours on notable days.

The applicant, Urban Leisure (BX) Limited, had proposed an operating schedule that included conditions aimed at promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These proposed conditions included the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems, the operation of a Challenge 25 proof-of-age scheme, and measures to manage noise and refuse. The report also detailed the proposed hours for each licensable activity and the hours the premises would be open to the public.

The committee was presented with a Matters for Decision document that outlined the proposed hours for each licensable activity, indicating whether they were to be granted as applied for, amended, or refused. This document also provided space to note any added conditions.