Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Resolved:

To elect Councillor Simon Jacobs 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”.

To notify the hearing of any changes in the membership of the sub-committee, and receive any other announcements through the Chair.

Details of the exits to be used in the event of an emergency were provided.

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

There were no interests declared.

To consider and determine an Application for a Premises Licence by A & P Jackson Ltd in respect of The Old Bank House, The Strand, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0EN.  The report of the Public Protection Officer (Licensing) is attached.

Application by A&P Jackson Ltd for a Premises Licence at The Old Bank, The Strand, Calne, SN11 0EN.

The Licensing Officer introduced the purpose and scope of the application, the premises to which it related and the key issues for consideration. Attention was drawn to appendix 2 and the amendments to the requested opening hours.

In accordance with the procedure detailed in the agenda the Applicant was given the opportunity to address the Sub Committee.

Key points raised by Katie and Francesca Whitworth, the applicants, were:

·               The applicants stated were very conscious of the need to uphold the licensing objectives and believed the conditions they had volunteered would achieve this. Emphasis was placed on due diligence such as the Challenge25 system, training staff adequately and monitoring those using the premises. Notices asking people to respect local residents would also be present.

·               It was stated the premises was fairly small and would be intended as a light, friendly establishment rather than for partying and excessive drinking, but that door staff would be arranged as necessary for any potential incidents.

·               It was stated effort had been made to contact local residents prior to the limited construction works necessary, to inform them of the intended nature of the premises and measures to mitigate any concerns, and that residents would continue to be informed of any issues.

As none of those who had made a relevant representation in objection to the application were in attendance, points were raised by the Sub-Committee including:

·         Questions were raised on the level of music that would be played, and what measures would be taken to mitigate the noise disturbance. It was stated in response that the music would primarily be background music to set a relaxing atmosphere, rather than loud enough to prevent people talking normally. It was confirmed that such a level of music would not in fact require a licence.

·         Questions were raised about the experience of the applicants running such an establishment, and details were provided.

·         In response to queries details were also provided on the layout of the establishment, the capacity of around 100 including staff, and how bottles would be stored inside the premises and disposed of quietly following closure.

·         The requested opening times and sale of alcohol times were discussed, and it was stated 0200 was felt to be a reasonable closing time giving other closing times in the area, but that the applicants intended to stop sale of alcohol half an hour before closing as well. Late night refreshment was confirmed to be supplies of hot drinks and perhaps small snacks only.

·         It was confirmed that planning permission on the premises currently restricted the opening hours from that requested for the premises licence, and that the applicants intended to appeal that restriction as disproportionate and unnecessary.

The Sub Committee members sought clarification on further points before retiring at 1340 to consider the application and were accompanied by the Solicitor for Wiltshire Council and the Democratic Services Officer.

The Hearing reconvened  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.