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 Chairman explained the procedure for the meeting including that an equal time limit of twenty minutes for all parties.

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

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- 525-527 Lytham Road

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- 525-527 Lytham Road

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of 525-527 Lytham Road. The application requested the following permissions:

Live music Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 23:00 hours

Recorded music Sunday to Thursday 11:00 – 23:00 hours

Recorded music Friday to Saturday 11:00 – 00:30 hours

Late night refreshment Monday to Sunday 23:00 – 01:00 hours

Supply of alcohol Sunday to Thursday 11:00 – 23:00 hours

Supply of alcohol Friday to Saturday 11:00 – 01:00 hours

Opening hours Sunday to Thursday 11:00 – 23:00 hours

Opening hours Friday to Saturday 11:00 – 01:00 hours

The Panel’s attention was drawn to the agreed conditions as a result of the mediation agreement between the applicant, the police and Environmental Protection.

The applicants, Mr Gary Edwards and Mr Jason Emsley, were in attendance and outlined their application to the Panel. Mr Edwards highlighted the nature of the operation as being a small bespoke premium offer different to other neighbouring licensed premises. The applicants explained that as local residents they were key to ensure the premises were an asset to the community and it did not impact negatively on the local environment. He emphasised that the operators had been prepared to work with the responsible authorities and their view that the conditions agreed in mediation ensured that no issues would occur.  Mr Emsley highlighted positive feedback had also been received and this should be balanced against the sole objector.

Mr John Wilson spoke in objection to the application. Mr Wilson highlighted his view that the premises would by its very nature cause noise nuisance and disturbance to local residents. Mr Wilson emphasised his view that there was not a need for more licensed premises in the area as it was already well served for such premises and that current premises were not in his view well managed.

The Licensing Panel considered the application and representation carefully. While noting Mr Wilson’s concerns it considered that elements of the objection were speculative and considered the number of premises which were not things that the Panel could take on board. It considered that any issues that would potentially occur would be mitigated by strong management and by adherence to the agreed conditions. It therefore agreed to grant the application.

Resolved:

That the Premises Licence in respect of 525-527 Lytham Road be granted subject to the conditions added after the mediation with Police and Environmental Protection.