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RE: Licensing Act 2003 – Licensing Panel Hearing Notification
of the Determination of Panel.
 

Licensing panel hearing held on Friday 13th June 2025 virtually via
Teams in respect of the application for a variation of a premises
licence in respect of premises known as the Meeting Place Cafe,
Kings Road, Hove.
 
The Panel has
considered all the papers and relevant representations and has
listened to the submissions made today. It has had regard to the
Statement of Licensing Policy and the statutory guidance.
 
The application is
situated within the cumulative impact zone (CIZ). Our policy states
that applications for variations which are likely to add to the
existing cumulative impact will be refused following relevant
representations. This presumption can be rebutted by the applicant
if they can show that their application will have no negative
cumulative impact.
 
This special policy
can only be overridden in exceptional circumstances. However, the
policy is not absolute. The panel must consider the individual
circumstances and merits of the application. If an application is
unlikely to add to the cumulative impact of the area, it may be
granted.
 
The application
originally sought to relax the restaurant condition and allow off
sales as well as updating the layout of the premises. There is no
change proposed to the hours for sale of alcohol or opening hours.
However, the applicant has liaised with Sussex Police and agreed a
set of conditions which significantly amend the application. There
will be no off sales, and sale of alcohol shall be to persons
seated exclusively. Substantial food will be
available at all times.
 
Representations were
received from 25 local residents and a
local councillor. They had concerns based on all 4 licensing
objectives and cumulative impact. Many of the representations had
concerns about off-sales and the premises becoming a beach bar.
Some representations were withdrawn following confirmation of the
new conditions.
 
The applicant
addressed the panel and stressed the following:
 

•        
The premises was not alcohol led. The emphasis was on food and
refreshment with other beverages such as coffee dominant.

•        
It would not be a bar, and the style of operation would not add to
problems of cumulative impact.

•        
The aim was to be very much part of the community and be respectful
to neighbours and the amended application reflected that.

•        
There was large investment in the premises. Staff would be trained
and 4 would be personal licence holders.
 
The panel has
considered this application on its merits and within the context of
the special policy and the representations made. The panel was
impressed by the applicant and his proposals for the premises and
the co-operation with the police. Most of the concerns expressed in
the representations were, the panel considered, dealt with by the
amended application and the police and environmental protection
conditions agreed. As discussed, the mandatory condition referred
to would remain. The panel considered that the premises was not
likely to add to existing cumulative impact due to its intended
style and operation and would not undermine the licensing
objectives. It would be a food led cafe with no vertical drinking
or off sales of alcohol.
 
The panel thus grant
the application with all the conditions agreed with the police and
environmental protection.