Agenda and minutes

Councillor Keith Onslow was appointed as chairman for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the application for the variation of a Premises Licence at Crown Inn, School Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5PQ.

The Licensing Sub-Committee has made the following decision having regard to: - the four licensing objectives, - the Council’s current Statement of Licensing Policy (as amended) - Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended); The Secretary of State Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended), - Written and oral representations from the Applicant, - Written and oral representation from local residents - Representation from a ward Councillor - Written representation from the - Written representations from the Metropolitan Police.

The decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee is as follows:

On the 5th April 2023, the Licensing Sub-Committee having considered the application as a whole, decided to Grant the application to vary the licence as stated in the relevant application.

The application included additional Metropolitan Police conditions agreed by the applicant  The conditions stated in the original licence remain in place

 THE APPLICANT’S CASE:

The applicant mentioned that the application was to vary the current premises licence and plan to include an outside bar (to operate annually between 1st March and 1st November) The bar would be managed when it was open at all times until the closing time of 21:00 hours. The bar’s operating hours are from 12:00 Noon to 21:00 hours.

The applicant stated that there were various refurbishments at the premises which included the installation of the outside bar and reorganising the space to have toilet facilities both inside and in the outside space. Noise has been a factor when the works were on-going. The applicant mentioned that there was no intention to increase the number of persons attending the premises.

The applicant said that the outside bar would alleviate the pressure on the inside bars, so as to create a better environment for the guests who stayed at the hotel. Furthermore, the applicant said that he did not feel that the outside bar would cause an increase in customers. When asked about live music in the garden area, the applicant responded that the intention was to play acoustic music, or occasionally, when assisting charities at fundraising events, to change the music then, but always taking into consideration the noise level.

The applicant mentioned that he was aware that the current premises licence did allow the premises to hold live music.  The applicant expressed that he was aware of the option to request (Temporary Events Notice) TENS if and when required. The applicant also mentioned the fact that the Metropolitan Police conditions had been agreed. On the point regarding complaints made to the premises regarding noise, the applicant mentioned that most of the noise complaints were during the time when the premises was undergoing refurbishment. One of the members of the Licensing Sub-committee highlighted to the applicant the importance of following through on complaints which arose and to resolve them satisfactorily. That way, the premises would make progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the application for a premises licence at Fireaway Pizza, 53 Chislehurst Road, Chislehurst BR7 5NP.

The Licensing Sub-Committee made the following decision having regard to:

-  The four licensing objectives,

-  The Council’s current Statement of Licensing Policy (as amended)

-  Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended); The Secretary of State Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended),

-  Written and oral representations from the Applicant, 

-  Written and oral representation from local residents

-  Representation from Ward Councillors

-  Written representations from the Public Health Nuisance Team

-  Written representations from the Metropolitan Police

The Decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee was:

The Licensing Sub-Committee, on the 5th April 2023, considered the application as a whole, and decided to Grant the licence subject to the amendments made at the Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing, the following conditions were added :

That after 23:00 hours:

 (i) the premises should use electric  vehicles i.e scooter(s); and

(ii) to have a staff member managing the entry to the premises. 

The additional Metropolitan police conditions agreed by the applicant  see Appendix 4 pages 59 to 60 of the application bundle).  Link: Cttee Report Fireaway Pizza v1.2.pdf

Summary of the Hearing:

1. THE APPLICANT’S CASE

The Applicant’s agent summarized the application, that it was for Late Night Refreshment (LNR). It was not for the sale of alcohol. The applicant was requesting hours for LNR until 03:00 hours. The premises would use electric vehicle(s) after 23:00 hours. The restaurant doors would close at 23:00 hours. Notices (regarding the opening and closing hours) would be placed to inform all individuals seeking entry to the restaurant (especially after 23:00 hours).  There would be a member of the staff who would manage the door. There would be a delivery driver and an electric scooter would be used for deliveries.

The Applicant mentioned that whilst the premises formed part of a chain, it was a family business. The Applicant desired to work harmoniously with the community and would like dialogue to that effect. The catering business was currently struggling due to the current economic factors, the war and the rise in fuel prices. The Applicant fully accepted the Metropolitan Police Conditions noted in appendix 4 of the application bundle. The Applicant mentioned that the Fireaway was a franchise and had extensive experience of running licensable premises.

The Public Health Nuisance Team proposed operating hours for Late Night Refreshment (LNR) :

Sunday to Thursday - from 23:00hours to close at 00:00 hours

Friday to Saturday from 23:00hours and close at 01:00hours

Additional conditions were agreed with the Metropolitan Police by the Applicant, appendix 4 pages 59 to 60 Link: Cttee Report Fireaway Pizza v1.2.pdf

The Applicant expressed that the preferred hours for LNR as follows:

Sunday to Thursday - from 23:00hours to close at 01:00 hours

Friday to Saturday - from 23:00hours and close at 03:00hours (and mentioned the willingness to negotiate closing time of 02:00am)

The Applicant’s representative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.