Decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee in considering this decision from the information presented to it within the report and at the hearing today has determined that having regard to the promotion of all the licensing objectives:

·  The prevention of crime and disorder;

·  Public safety;

·  Prevention of public nuisance;

·  The protection of children from harm;

The application for a premises licence has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Licensing and the proposed conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.

The hours of licensable activities:

Supply of Alcohol (On Premises)

Monday    11:00-22:00

Tuesday    11:00-22:00

Wednesday  11:00-22:00

Thursday  11:00-22:00

Friday  11:00-22:00

Saturday  11:00-22:00

Sunday  11:00-22:00

The Opening Hours of the premises:

Monday  08:00-23:00

Tuesday  08:00-23:00

Wednesday  08:00-23:00

Thursday  08:00-23:00

Friday  08:00-00:00

Saturday  08:00-00:00

Sunday   08:00-22:30

And the following additional conditions to be added to the licence:

·  A maximum of five smokers would be permitted in the smoking area.

·  The Premises Licence Holder shall maintain a dedicated contact telephone number and email address that must be available at all times. These contact details shall be included on any website of the premises and on display at the premises.

Reasons for the decision

The Licensing Sub-committee, having heard from the Licensing Authority and considered the written statement from one Other Person (a local resident), believed that granting the application would not result in undermining the licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration the representation from the Licensing Authority who had made a representation on the grounds of the Prevention of Public Nuisance. During the hearing the Licensing Authority confirmed that they had visited the premises at the end of December 2024, and they could not find any evidence to substantiate an allegation of gambling machines on site. The Licensing Authority had stated that they were keen for the Applicant to align their opening hours with Licensing Policy LP3 Core Hours. Additionally, the Licensing Authority had suggested that the Applicant should take steps to remove any confusion over the Late Night Refreshment offer included as part of the application.

The Sub-Committee noted that the Police, prior to the hearing, had withdrawn their representation following discussions with the Applicant and their representative and the agreement of conditions.

The Sub-Committee noted that there had been representation from one Other Persons on the grounds of the Prevention of Public Nuisance. That person was not present at the hearing but the Sub-Committee noted their written representation and follow up correspondence, in which in the latter they stated  that they were extremely worried that the application was a club in disguise with the opening hours and alcohol. They added that they stood by all the points in their written representation.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration the premises were not in a Cumulative Impact area. The Sub-Committee noted in a written submission from the agent for the Applicant, that the current operator had recently taken over the business from his brother. As soon as he had taken over the business, all gaming machines were removed, and none are present on the premises. The operator was now fully informed and understands that no gaming machines may be installed without the proper permissions. The agent for the Applicant also explained that his client had in place an operating schedule and signs were put up to ask patrons to be quiet when leaving the premises.

The Sub-Committee took into consideration that the Applicant was an experienced operator with several years of experience. It was highlighted during the hearing by the representative for the Applicant that there were sufficient conditions in place to ensure that the Applicant would be compliant.

Having taken all of the above factors into consideration the Sub-Committee was satisfied that by granting the premises licence the licensing objectives would continue to be promoted.

Public informative

The Premises Licence Holder would undertake training for staff, particularly in relation to women’s safety Ask Angela and Hackney Nights training.