Agenda and minutes

None.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were none.

Report of the Director of Planning and Development attached.

Mr Chris Ward, Licensing Manager presented a report of the Chief Executive giving details of the need to determine a new premises application, pursuant to Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, in respect of 2 -4 Chapel Lane, Longton, PR4 5EB.  As relevant objections had been received from residents, it was necessary for a hearing to be held.

The report indicated that the applicant, ST Leisure and Entertainment Ltd., had applied for a premises licence for the following:

Opening hours

Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 23:00

Saturday - 11:00 to 00:00

Sundays - 10:15 to 23:00

Supply of alcohol (on and off Sales)

Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 22:30

Saturday - 11:00 to 23:30

Sundays - 10:15 to 22:30

Late Night refreshment

Saturday 23:00 to 00:00

Mr Ward stated that no representations had been received from responsible authorities, however five representations had been received from local residents which were detailed at Appendices1 – 5 in the report. The representations raise issues in relation to the following licensing objectives:

·         The prevention of crime and disorder.

·         Public safety.

·         The prevention of public nuisance.

·         The protection of children from harm.

The Panel were informed that one of the interested parties who had made representations, Mr Nick Cadwallender, had emailed the Council within the last 24 hours to state that following discussions with the applicant his major concerns had been addressed and stating his intention to withdraw his representations.

The Panel were advised by Ms Safdar, Legal Services Team Leader that it was not possible to withdraw representations less than 24 hours before the hearing, and therefore the representations still stand for consideration. It would be for the Panel to decide what weight it wished to give those representations.

The Licensing Manager referred to the relevant policy and guidance which could be found at paragraphs 18 – 19 of the committee report. The report also outlined the options available to the panel as stipulated by section 18 of the Act, these being;

·         To grant the licence subject to any conditions the Licensing Authority considers appropriate for the promotion of the Licensing Objectives.

·         To exclude from the scope of the licence any licensable activities to which the application relates

·         To refuse to specify a person in the licence as the designated premises supervisor; or

·         To reject the application

Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr Malcolm Ireland presented the applicant’s case.  He stated that the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor, Tom Havlin, had worked in the leisure sector since leaving full time education and indeed both Mr Havlin and Mr Gale both have hands on experience in the industry.

Mr Ireland explained that the application was for a high end bar promoting specialist, high quality beers and wines. He referred to the written representations submitted by the applicant, which included the CV of the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor, Mood Boards giving a feel of the premises, sample letter to interested parties, and a copy Judgement from Daniel Thwaites Plc vs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.