Agenda, decisions and minutes

Nominations for a Chairman of the Licensing Sub Committee were sought and it was

Resolved:

To elect Councillor Desna Allen as Chairman for this meeting only.

The Chairman explained the procedure to be followed at the hearing, as contained within the “Wiltshire Licensing Committee Procedural Rules for the Hearing of Licensing Act 2003 Applications” (Pages 1 – 6 of the Agenda).

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

To consider and determine an Application for a Variation to the Premises License by Reel Cinemas Limited for Reel Cinema, 91A Marshfield Road, Chippenham, SN15 1JR.

Application by Reel Cinema’s Ltd for a Premises Licence at Reel Cinema, Marshfield Road, Chippenham, SN15 1JR

The Licensing Officer introduced the purpose and scope of the application, the premises to which it related and the key issues for consideration. In addition the Licensing Officer drew attention to the representations that had been made originally, and those that had satisfactorily withdrawn following discussions with the applicant.

In accordance with the procedure detailed in the agenda, the Applicant, the Responsible Authorities and those who had made a Relevant Representation were given the opportunity to address the Sub Committee.

Key points raised by the Mr Grimsey (representing the applicant) included the clarification on the premises intended usage. The Applicant stated that the premises were to be used as a Cinema and not as a nightclub, as had been suggested by some of the representations submitted.

It was stated that recorded music as listed on the application was purely for the use of background music, to create ambience in the foyer, and to be used prior screenings. It was stated that the condition that such music would not be audible outside of the building so as to not constitute a public nuisance, was included by the applicant to satisfy environmental health concerns. It was also stated that there would be no live music inside the venue, and that this was not included on the application for this reason.

The Applicant stated that serving Alcohol was a means to which Reel could increase revenue from existing custom. It was stated that Alcohol would be served only to ticket holders, and would be subject to the ‘Challenge 25’ policy. It was also stated that alcohol would be served in plastic containers, and that all glass bottles would be decanted.

The applicant requested to submit an image of a ‘typical bar’ used at other Reel Cinema premises. In accordance with policy, the persons who had made representations and the committee were consulted. After brief discussion, all parties and the committee approved their use.

The applicant stated that ‘premium’ brands of Alcohol would be stocked and sold at ‘competitive’, prices. It was clarified that this would not include the sale of alcohol at largely discounted prices.

The applicant also outlined that antisocial behaviour and drinking would be actively discouraged and managed by the staff, and that no Alcohol would be sold on site until the site manager had undertaken licensee training.

The Applicant stated that there had been no history of antisocial behaviour at the site, and that it was expected that this would continue following the introduction of alcohol as it would be consumed moderately and managed effectively by the establishment.

There were no further comments by the Applicant.

The persons who had made a relevant representation were then given the opportunity to ask questions of the Applicant.

Mr Owen Pennell stated that in the letter dated 22 April 2013, that a comment had been made “you may be aware that other cinemas in Chippenham now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.