Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor M F L Durham be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR M F L DURHAM

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and took the Committee through some general housekeeping arrangements.

There were none.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

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

Councillor M F L Durham declared in the interest of openness and transparency that he was a personal licence holder.

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

The Sub-Committee received the report of the Director of Service Delivery regarding the Application for a Premises Licence.

The Chairman outlined the procedure that would be followed in the meeting and asked all those present to introduce themselves. He then called on the Lead Licensing Officer to present the report. The Officer provided an overview of the report highlighting the points of consideration for the Committee. He concluded by reminding the Committee of the applicant’s right of appeal to the Magistrate’s Court.

The Chairman then invited the applicant to make an opening statement.  The applicant provided the Committee with some further information about plans for the tearooms. He wished to hold occasional live events outside in the summer months following the business model they ran in Maldon. This would equate to approximately six evenings per year. Other premises run by the applicant had been operating an alcohol licence for many years with no problems reported.  Following the applicant statement the Chairman invited an interested party, Mr Gawne, to make his statement.

In response to questions from Members the applicant said he agreed with the possible  modifications to only open in the evenings on Friday and Saturday evenings and reassured the committee that all live events finished at 10pm sharp, with carriages at 11pm. It was noted residents of the village welcomed this business and wanted it to succeed.

On confirmation that there were no further questions, the Chairman thanked everyone present for their contributions and advised that the meeting would now close.  The Committee would then consider the evidence made before reaching its decision.  All parties would be notified of the decision within five working days of the hearing.

The Sub-Committee carefully considered all the information in the report from the Lead Licensing Officer along with legal information in relation to restrictions on opening hours and the additional information provided at the meeting.

RESOLVEDthat the application for a Premises Licence at Mrs Salisbury at the Mitre, 2 The Street, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3NN be GRANTED with the conditions agreed with the Police as set out in Appendix D of the report.