Agenda and minutes

DETAILS OF DECISION TAKEN:

The Sub-Committee considered the application for the variation of a premises licence GUPLA0436 to vary the authorised plans attached to the licence.  The Sub-Committee also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Licensing Policy and the National Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended).

The Sub-Committee was informed by the Licensing Compliance Officer that no change to the proposed hours had been requested.  The proposal was to allow patrons to take beverages into a small paved area, roped off to contain smokers during the evening after 8pm, with the area being closed to patrons from 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Friday and Saturday.  Some minor internal changes to the building had been undertaken, including the reduction of the bar area in the Tudor Lounge end of the premises allowing patrons to access the bay window.  An SIA registered door supervisor would monitor the premises from 22:30 until the area was cleared, and would ensure patrons in the smoking area kept the noise down to prevent disturbance to local residents.

The Sub-Committee noted that Environmental Health had submitted a representation, which was withdrawn following mediation as they were satisfied that the applicant had taken sufficient measures to mitigate concerns in relation to noise nuisance.  Two further objections had been received, one from the residents of no 1 Milkhouse Gate and another from the Holy Trinity Amenity Group (HTAG). 

The Sub-Committee was advised that they should consider the application for the variation of the premises licence on its merits taking into account the licensing objectives, but should not consider matters such as whether the area had planning permission, authorisation from the owner or a highways licence, as these would be determined separately.

Mr Croxford made the following submissions in support of his application and in relation to questions raised by the Sub-Committee:

·         The outside paved area was created as a result of the smoking ban.  It was a small parcel of land leased for a thousand years.

·         The area was originally screened, but it could not be used as a smoking area as it was too enclosed, therefore a gate was installed.

·         The intention was that tables and chairs would be put in so that the customers could sit outside.  He didn’t want it to just be for smokers..

·         People could smoke anywhere, but by having a separate roped-off area, it could be kept clean and tidy. .

·         In the interests of the safety of patrons, it was important that smoking patrons could take their drinks with them and not leave them unattended.

·         The area was also monitored by SIA doorstaff.

·         To make the area look more appealing, hanging baskets would be fixed at low levels and flowerbeds installed on top of the screens.

·         He confirmed that there would be a total of three SIA registered door staff, one located at the front of the premises, one located at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.