Agenda and minutes

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

Resolved:

That Councillor Collett 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 meeting including that an equal time limit of fifteen minutes had been allocated for all parties.

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

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE- LA CASA

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR THE VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE- LA CASA

The Licensing Panel considered an application for the variation of the Premises Licence in respect of La Casa, Dickson Road. The application sought to extend the hours for the provision of Late Night Refreshment until 5am on all seven days of the week.

Mr Magdy Al Farag, Designated Premises Supervisor, accompanied by two friends was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel. He highlighted his view that the premises were well run and that the extension was necessary to ensure the business could continue and remain profitable. He apologised for the previous breaches of his licence but explained that these were due to an isolated personal oversight. He emphasised his view that he could operate the premises successfully and in accordance with the Licensing Objectives in the times applied for.

Sgt Helen Parkinson was in attendance and made representations to the Licensing Panel. She highlighted the Police’s view that the area in which the premises were located was very challenging in terms of crime and disorder especially in the hours between 3am and 5am. Sgt Parkinson explained that the current operation of the premises did not give the Police faith that the premises could operate to these later hours without impacting on the Licensing Objectives.

Mr Mark Marshall was in attendance on behalf of the Licensing Authority and outlined the concerns of that organisation regarding the operation of the premises at present and the impact that the premises operating until 5am would have on the existing issues with the area.

Evidence had been submitted by a member of the public regarding the application but noted that this member of the public was in attendance and that there was doubt as to the representation. It agreed to disregard this evidence as it was not able to test its accuracy and veracity.

The Licensing Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted by all parties. It noted that there were significant issues already occurring in the area. It considered that the operation of such a premises to such hours would cause significant impact on the issues already experienced in the area. It considered that the only way the Panel could ensure that the Licensing Objectives were upheld was to refuse the variation application.

Resolved:

That the application for the variation  of the Premises Licence in respect of La Casa, Dickson Road be refused.