Agenda and minutes

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

Resolved:

That Councillor G Coleman be appointed of the Licensing Panel for this 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 had been allocated for all parties.

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

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Loco Club

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Loco Club

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Loco Club, Back Ribble Road.

The applicant, Mr Patrick Maher, was in attendance accompanied by his solicitor, Mr Trevor Colebourne, and both made representations to the Panel. Mr Colebourne highlighted the proposed operation of the premises as an adult private members’ club with strict rules of entry. He emphasised that Mr Maher was an experienced operator both of such premises and licensed premises in general. Conditions had been agreed following discussions with the Police and as a result of this agreement none of the responsible authorities had submitted representations. Mr Maher emphasised his view that a Premises Licence provided greater control over the consumption of alcohol than allowing visitors to bring their own alcohol into the premises.

Following questions Mr Maher acknowledged that at present he remained at present Designated Premises Supervisor of another premises but would be seeking to sell that business and concentrate on the Loco Club if the licence was to be granted.

Mr Colebourne confirmed in relation to questioning that while guests of members would be allowed their details would be recorded and multiple visits by the same guest would be forbidden.

At the request of the objector, Councillor Cain, a brief adjournment took place to enable the objector to study the agreement between Lancashire Constabulary and the applicant.

Councillor Cain outlined his objection as the ward Councillors and highlighted concerns of local residents regarding existing problems of prostitution in the area, the outbreak of noise from the premises especially from use of the smoking area and the unsuitability of such a premises in a residential area. He also expressed concern that Mr Maher’s previous operation of a premises in breach of planning regulations.

The Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted by all parties, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State’s guidance.

While the panel did not believe that the evidence presented on behalf of the residents was sufficient to refuse the application the concerns about disturbance from noise in the smoking area and from people leaving the club in the early hours of the morning are relevant considerations which should be taken into account.

The Panel therefore concluded that this could be addressed restricting the hours of operation on Fridays and Saturdays so alcohol may be served until midnight and music may be played until the premises closes to the public at 01.00 hours, requiring the CCTV to cover the smoking area and by erecting a notice in the smoking area asking patrons to note that this is a residential area and keep the noise levels reasonable. The Panel also agreed to add all the conditions agreed between the applicant and the Police to the Premises Licence.

Resolved:

That the application for a Premises Licence in respect of Loco Club be granted subject to the amendments and conditions listed above.