Agenda and minutes

Councillor Nicholas Bennett was appointed Chairman for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Applicant(s) attended the hearing with their representative; Charles Denny, a Licensing Consultant, at Innpacked Ltd. The Licensing Officer mentioned that there were 4 objections (one was representing 5 households at the High Street) and 3 in support of the application. The Metropolitan Police had initially objected, but later withdrew their objections once the Applicant(s) agreed to the proposed conditions. The Public Health Nuisance Team remained dissatisfied with the application. Some objectors withdrew their objections prior to the hearing.

The Applicants’ Case:

The Applicants’ agent explained that the Applicant(s) planned to have 120 covers internally and 40 outside the premises. The Applicant(s) mentioned that they wanted to be able to host special events evenings for a  dance class, food tasting, particular milestone celebrations or other special events. The capacity for special events was for approximately 120 people. These events would be arranged by the premises, and would require advance booking. The Applicants’ representative provided some background to the application when it was originally submitted and as amended, having taken into consideration the agreed Metropolitan Police conditions.

The Applicant(s) highlighted the considerable experience gained in running licensable premises and for a number of international reputable restaurants in India. The premises’ windows (and doors) were sufficiently glazed and had good sound proofing to ensure that noise was contained in the interior of the premises. They stated that the music would be played at a moderate level, so that customers could easily converse. Therefore, noise nuisance should not affect the neighbouring residents.

The Applicant(s) also said that they would like to have a last entry time to the restaurant at 22:30 hours (but would be guided by the Council’s Licensing Team), and that last food orders ought to be placed earlier (at 22:15 hours), to ensure that the kitchen staff could manage to prepare the orders, and that patrons were properly served. The Applicant(s) mentioned that they would like to have the kitchen cleaned at the end of the evenings and thoroughly once a week.

The Objectors’ Case:

The objectors concern(s) which were received by the Council in writing, could be summarised as follows: The possible noise nuisance which may cause disturbance to the neighbouring residents. The licensable operating hours being too long.

The Metropolitan Police had initially objected to the application, they then offered conditions which were agreed by the applicant(s). The Metropolitan Police accordingly withdrew their objections. The Public Health Nuisance Team, however, had not agreed to those conditions and suggested the following hours:

Suggested Terminal Hour of Premises:

Sunday to Thursday –    23:00 hours

Friday and Saturday –    00:00 hours

Thursdays and Sunday prior to Bank Holidays-  00:00 hours

New Year’s Eve -  01:00 hours

All sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises shall be by table service only and ancillary to a substantial table meal and there will be no vertical drinking. The premises will provide food in the form of substantial table meals that are prepared on the premises with the exception of an event. Events  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.