Agenda and minutes

Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP was appointed as Chairman for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Sub-Committee made a decision based on:

-  The four licensing objectives,

-  The Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 - 2021

-  Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003

-  Written and oral representations from the Applicant

-  Written and oral representations from the Metropolitan Police

-  Written and oral representations by a Local Ward Councillor

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the application, amended as follows:

1. Extension of time for the playing of recorded music, opening to the public and late night refreshments on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays to extend to 01:00 the following morning, and

2. Supply of alcohol on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to be extended to 00.30 the following morning.

All conditions currently on the licence to continue into the extended times, together with those offered in the application.

Reasons:

The Sub-Committee carefully considered the submissions of the Police in objection to the application. They noted that the premises were located in an area which was subject to a ‘Policy of Cumulative Impact’, which created a presumption that applications for the variation of premises licenses which were likely to add to the existing cumulative impact would normally be refused or subject to certain limitations--unless the Applicant is able to demonstrate that there will be no negative impact on one or more of the licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee considered the submissions of the Applicant and those of the local Ward Councillor in support of the application. They noted that, as acknowledged by the Police, the premises was considered to be well run and the Applicant was supportive of the Police in the area. The Applicant had previously been supportive in supplying CCTV images to the Police. It was also noted that, following Police advice, the applicant had substantially upgraded the CCTV at the premises to provide improved facial recognition.

The Applicant, in discussion with the Sub-Committee, agreed to reduce the extension of time applied for in respect of the supply of alcohol from 01:00 to 00:30 in order to allow for a drinking up period. The Applicant also confirmed that it had been an oversight not to have sought the extension of the time for the playing of recorded music to match the time the premises was open to the public. The informal view of the Environmental Health Noise Team was sought and it was confirmed that they would not object to the granting of such a provision, provided the existing conditions regarding the closure of doors and windows continued.

The Sub-Committee accepted the Applicant’s submission that the extension would not have a negative effect on the licensing objectives. It would not be likely to bring additional people into the area subject to the Cumulative Impact Policy, but would allow people already in the premises to stay there until other, later opening premises had stopped new admissions, and thus help with the gradual dispersal in the area.

Resultantly, the Sub-Committee decided that it was reasonable and proportionate to grant the application in these terms.