The Licensing Sub Committee of Cardiff Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Kings Road Yard in Pontcanna. The meeting's agenda focused on this single application, with no other significant items listed for discussion.

Application for a Premises Licence at Kings Road Yard, Pontcanna

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Kings Road Yard, located at Unit 6A, 183a Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9DF. The application was made by Keith Munro and sought to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between Monday and Sunday, 10:00 to 22:00 hours, with extended hours on New Year's Eve until 01:00.

The applicant described the application as a shadow licence intended to mirror the existing licence held by The Artisan Brewing Co. (also known as Pipes Brewery) at the same premises. The stated intention was to maintain continuity of the licensed operation, ensuring that if the current operator were to leave, substantially the same licensable activities could continue, preserving the established character and community-focused atmosphere of the site. The proposed hours for licensable activities were Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 22:00, and New Year's Eve, 10:00 to 01:00.

However, the report pack indicated that representations had been received from South Wales Police, Pollution Control, and other persons.

South Wales Police formally objected to the application, stating that it did not mirror the existing licence and introduced new conditions, a new Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), and additional hours. They argued that this would fundamentally alter the character of the premises, potentially turning it into a high-impact commercial bar and increasing the risk of crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The Pollution Control department also raised an objection on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. They cited a history of noise complaints from residents, including breaches of Noise Abatement Notices and subsequent prosecution. Concerns were raised about the premises' location within a highly residential area and the potential for noise disturbance due to the outdoor nature of parts of the site and the proposed operating hours.

Several other residents also submitted objections, primarily focusing on the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Concerns included increased noise levels from amplified music, customer behaviour, littering, and potential for anti-social behaviour. Some residents also raised issues regarding privacy, the use of a first-floor seating area without apparent planning permission, and the safety implications of the premises' layout and the potential for increased occupancy. The existing tenant of the premises, Simon Doherty of Artisan Brewing Co. Ltd., also submitted an objection, arguing that the application was brought forward in bad faith and would create enforcement confusion by fragmenting management and accountability for a single physical space.

The report pack outlined the licensing objectives that the Sub-Committee must consider: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The committee was to determine the application, with the possibility of granting it, modifying conditions, or rejecting it, in accordance with legal requirements and the council's policies.