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The decision of the Committee is to grant the
application.
 
The Committee in reaching its decision has
taken into account:
 
· 
The evidence before it both written and oral
 
· 
The relevant parts of the Council’s Statement of Licensing
Policy
 
· 
The relevant parts of the Guidance issued by the Secretary of
State
 
Committee’s reasoning and findings
are:
 
Committee noted that the application before it
was for a coffee bar which will sell wine by waiter/waitress
service to patrons who are seated with a maximum capacity of 32.
The premises will offer afternoon tea and cakes as well as
charcuterie /cheese boards but with no formal food offering. The
Applicant intends for the premises to have a “high end”
feel but will not operate as a restaurant.
 
The premises are located within a building
that also houses a firm of Solicitors and other regulated
businesses which are all operated by the Applicant.
 
The premises will have 5 staff plus a
supervisor who will ensure that the premises run smoothly with no
issues regarding noise.  Bottles will be
disposed of during the day and deliveries will take place at the
same time as a premises also located on the High Street as the
intention is to use the same delivery Company. 
 
The premises will only be accessed via the
front with a fire exit to the rear.
 
Mr Ahmed stated to Committee that it is hoped
that the premises will be a community asset and a different
offering to other premises on the High Street.  Committee noted that the Applicant had sought to
engage with local residents via a meeting but the invitation was
not accepted.  The Committee accepted
that whilst works had been ongoing there had been interest from
passers by who had expressed positive views.
 
Committee noted the statement from Mr Browell
on behalf of the local planning authority that a change of use
would be required and it was confirmed that such an application had
been prepared and would be submitted in the event that the Licence
application was granted.  Committee were
satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated a willingness to
co-operate and engage with the Planning authority.  Committee also noted that matters raised by
residents relating to potential parking issues would be assessed by
planning during that engagement process and were not a matter for
their consideration as part of the Licensing process.
 
Committee took into consideration the
conditions that were agreed with Northumbria Police and the fact
that the Police had felt that the imposition of those conditions
satisfied all of their concerns. Committee noted  and attributed appropriate weight to the written
representations of local residents but were satisfied that the
conditions and style of operation outlined to them by Mr Ahmed
would ensure that there would be no negative impact on the
licensing objectives.  Accordingly
Members unanimously decided to grant the application.