Agenda and minutes

The Licensing Panel considered the appointment of a Chairman for the meeting.

Resolved:

That Councillor Hutton be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:-

(1) the type of interest concerned

(2) the nature of the interest concerned; and

(3) whether they have or have not sat on a Planning Committee which has previously considered a planning application in respect of a licensed premises which is also subject to consideration for a premises licence as part of the agenda for this meeting.

If any Member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

(Members are asked to also pay particular attention to the guidance sheet on interests supplied with the agenda).

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Licensing Panel considered

a. APPLICATION AND REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED. To consider the attached report

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE- THE NUMBER 3

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR THE VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE- THE NUMBER 3

The Licensing Panel considered an application for the Variation of a Premises Licence in respect of the Number 3, Devonshire Square. The application requested permission to increase the hours of operation to 01.00am on Thursday and Sunday evenings and to 02.00am on Friday and Saturday evenings. The application also requested that some conditions were to be amended and new conditions have been volunteered. The plan of the premises was also to be updated to reflect the revised layout.

The applicant, Mr Francis Kelly, was in attendance accompanied by his solicitor Mr Michael Woosnam and Mr Michael Sugden, the Company Area Manager. Mr Woosnam explained on behalf of Mr Kelly the application. Mr Woosnam highlighted the change in style of premises to a separate sports bar and wine bar. Mr Woosnam emphasised the good operating record of the applicant and his keenness to work with the responsible authorities. Mr Woosnam further explained that the premises had operated to the revised hours through the use of Temporary Event Notices without issue. Mr Sugden then emphasised that the premises would be operated differently from the other Ma Kelly’s branded premises and remain marketed at local customers.

Sergeant Helen Parkinson, Lancashire Constabulary, was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel.  Sergeant Parkinson explained that while the Police had no issue with the proposed operator of the premises they had concerns regarding the proposed hours and proposed either a refusal or a condition restricting last entry to the premises.

Ms Jennifer Clayton, Senior Environmental Protection Officer, was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel. Ms Clayton highlighted that Environmental Protection’s concerns related not to noise from regulated entertainment but from noise from people leaving the premises or using the smoking area. Ms Clayton proposed a number of conditions that she felt could address the issues.

Mr Lee Petrak, Licensing and Trading Standards Manager, was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel. Mr Petrak highlighted concerns regarding the change in emphasis of the premises to a late night drinking lead establishment from a more local food lead business in a prominently residential area. Mr Petrak explained that he felt that premises could increase the risk of alcohol related crime and disorder as it would open far later than other premises.

Mr Dave Blacker, public objector, was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel on behalf of himself and Councillor Simon Blackburn, ward Councillor for Brunswick ward. Mr Blacker highlighted local residents’ concerns about noise, crime and anti-social behaviour. Mr Blacker explained that many local residents had contacted Councillor Blackburn.

The Licensing Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted by all parties. It expressed concern that the premises would add to the issues already experienced in the area. It did not consider that conditions would necessarily mitigate these issues and was not satisfied that the operation of Temporary Event Notices on a number of limited occasions showed that in future the premises would work as a late night  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.