Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs J C Stilts be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR MRS J C STILTS

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Senior Specialist Legal confirmed that the meeting could continue without the applicant being present.

There were none.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interest or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6 – 8 of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interest as soon as they become aware should the need arise through the meeting).

There were none.

To note the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Chairman sought confirmation that all present were in possession of and had read the report of the Director of Service Delivery along with Appendices A to E.  She drew the Committee’s attention to the Aide Memoire found on page 2 of the meeting pack that outlined the procedure to be followed during the meeting.

The applicant Ms Begum joined the meeting at this point.  In response to a question from the Chairman, the Licensing Officer restarted his brief presentation of the report.

The Chairman then called on the applicant, Ms Begum, to make her opening statement.  Ms Begum outline the nature of the premises and how since its operation on complaints had been received.  She provided additional information and clarification in response to the comments raised by the interested parties including noise, smell etc.  Ms Begum informed the Sub-Committee that she had agreed to change the operating hours of the premises, closing room 5 early and stopping at 11pm.  The applicant confirmed she would not be calling any witnesses.

Ms Clark, an interested party, then addressed the Sub-Committee outlining her concerns relating to the proposed premises licence, specifically the impact that live and recorded music would have on the surrounding area, including residents.  She also referred to the public nuisance caused by music and lighting and public safety considerations for those using walking aids etc.  Ms Clark confirmed that she would not be calling any witnesses.

At the request of the Chairman, Ms Clark then made a closing statement.  In response to comments from Ms Clark, Ms Begum advised that she had invested in clearing up the outside of the premises and in respect of noise and light there would only be ten occasions, not every day.

Ms Begum then made a closing statement advising that they would abide by any decision made by the Council.  Ms Begum asked if it would be possible to receive a decision before 16 October.

Following the statements from the applicant and interested party, Members raised a number of questions and in response to these Ms Begum provided further detail of the business, feedback from customers and clarified a number of points, including:

·                 Live music would be played ten times a year;

·                 The change to closing at 11pm had been agreed with Environmental Services.  It was noted that this information had not been advised to the Licensing Officer.  Following further question, Ms Begum confirm that she was happy that alcohol be limited to 11pm apart from the 10 occasions.

·                 Ms Begum explained that the showing of film and having live TV would be used to promote the business.

In response to questions from Members regarding the playing of films, the Licensing Officer clarified that exhibition of a film, for example showing a TV channel would require a licence.

In summary, Ms Begum advised Members that the alcohol license her number one priority.

The Chairman sought clarification from the Senior Specialist Legal and it was confirmed that the Committee when they consider its decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 324.

The Sub-Committee carefully considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery and its related appendices along with evidence heard at the meeting from yourself and the interested parties who attended and who provided written representations.  The Sub-Committee Members considered the licensing objectives to be of paramount concern and had considered the application on its own merits and in accordance with the licensing authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy and guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Sub-Committee may only determine the application based on the four licensing objectives and it was unable to take matters of litter and the standard of adjoining land into consideration.

The Sub-Committee has considered the objections of all 15 residents who raised objections.

RESOLVED that the application for a Premises Licence at Chutney House, 116 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET be GRANTED subject to the following modifications:

·                 The application for showing of Films is removed.

·                 The application for permission of Dance is removed.

·                 The application for the playing of live music is granted between the hours of 11:00 and 22.30 Sunday – Thursday and between11.00-23:00 Friday and Saturday inside the premises only on the condition that the doors to Room 5 will be closed at 22:00 and the door kept closed until the next business hours and the door to the main entrance will kept closed during the hours of the business.

·                 That Alcohol can be served during the following hours: 11:00 and 22.00 Sunday – Thursday and between11.00-22:30 Friday and Saturday.

·                 The premises will close to customers at the following times: 22:30 Sunday – Thursday and 23:00 Friday and Saturday.

·                 The licence is subject to the mandatory and conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule terms and conditions attached to the Committee Report at Appendix D.