The Licensing Act Sub-Committee convened to elect a chairman for the meeting and to consider an application for a new premises licence for Rowley’s Mansion Courtyard, Barker Street, Shrewsbury. Councillor Nigel Lumby was elected Chairman, and the committee resolved to grant the premises licence subject to additional conditions for the prevention of public nuisance.

Application for a Premises Licence - Rowley’s Mansion Courtyard, Barker Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2BQ

The sub-committee decided to grant the premises licence for Rowley’s Mansion Courtyard, subject to additional conditions being added to the premises licence for the promotion of the four licensing objectives¹, in particular the prevention of public nuisance.

Capital Bars Frankwell Ltd applied for a new premises licence at the courtyard of Rowley's Mansion, a multi-story Tudor building on Barker Street in Shrewsbury Town Centre. The application sought to licence the rear of the courtyard, approximately 14 x 6 metres, to house a bar and food vendor operating as an outdoor café bar. An unlicensed seating area in front of the bar and food vendor would allow consumption of food and drink, including alcohol.

The requested licensable activities and opening hours were:

• Supply of Alcohol: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 23:00
• Late-night refreshments: Sunday to Thursday, 23:00 to 03:00 the following day; Friday and Saturday, 23:00 to 05:00 the following day
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 23:00 to 03:00 the following day; Friday and Saturday, 23:00 to 05:00 the following day

The applicant indicated that the seating area is for consumption, requiring both on and off sales with a licensing condition to prevent alcohol being removed from the courtyard.

As part of the application, Capital Bars Frankwell Ltd included an operating schedule detailing how they intend to promote the four licensing objectives.

Several representations were received from responsible authorities, including trading standards and the police, requesting additional timings and conditions. Environmental Protection initially objected, but all three responsible authorities withdrew their representations after agreeing to additional conditions and reduced hours with the applicant. Planning made comments only.

Five representations were received from other persons, raising concerns about potential noise nuisance from patrons, anti-social behaviour, and crime due to the proximity of residential dwellings.

The Public reports pack included the report of the Public Protection Officer (Specialist), a location map, location photographs, the application form, the premises plan, a document outlining the consolidated proposed conditions and times, the Environmental Protection representation, a map showing the general location of representations, and the representations from other persons.

Environmental Protection Officer Robert Bowland initially objected to the application, stating:

I am of the opinion that allowing Rowley's Courtyard to trade in the week after 23:00 would attract people into the area and produce a new noise source which would stand out and dominate an otherwise relatively quiet noise environment.

This objection was withdrawn when the trading hours Sunday to Thursday were modified so the area closes at 23:00.

Representations from other persons included concerns from Ms Andrea Belloli, a resident of Claremont Place, who raised concerns about noise, security, and the suitability of the proposal for a listed building. Robert Cowling objected on the grounds of anti-social behaviour, public safety and public nuisance. Caroline John raised concerns about crime, disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm, and recommended that no licence should be issued. The Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents' Association (STCRA) also objected to the application, stating that the premises are wholly inappropriate for a premises licence.

Election of Chairman

Councillor Nigel Lumby was elected Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

The committee approved the recommendation regarding disclosable pecuniary interests².