Agenda and minutes

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

Resolved:

That Councillor Hutton be appointed Chairman of 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.

However, Councillor Ryan asked that it be highlighted that he had previously met Mr Banks, the applicant, a number of times in an official capacity during his term as Deputy Mayor.

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

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

b. DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Ruskin Hotel

c. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE- Ruskin Hotel

The Licensing Panel considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of the Ruskin Hotel, 55-65 Albert Road.

The applicant, Mr Tony Banks, was in attendance accompanied by his legal representative, Mr Malcolm Ireland. Mr Ireland outlined the application on the behalf of the applicant. He highlighted firstly the licence application had only been necessary in effect as the premises had expanded into the neighbouring former Grosvenor hotel and that this licence merely replicated the existing condition in place at the Ruskin Hotel. Mr Ireland explained that Mr Banks was an experienced operator running a number of premises in Blackpool under the Blackpool Promotions brand. Mr Ireland explained that the application had been subject to negotiations with the responsible authorities and as a result conditions had been agreed to mitigate issues with the outside smoking areas and to withdraw the playing of music outside. Mr Ireland then emphasised that the responsible authorities no had no issues with the premises and the issues with the opening of the fire doors were one off issues with steps put in place to ensure that this would not be repeated.

Mr J Morgan, public objector, was in attendance and highlighted his objections. He expressed concern about the opening of fire doors and the possibility of noise nuisance. He also outlined a number of concerns that while not related to licensing he felt showed that the premises would operate in a way that would cause a negative impact on adjoining properties.

The Licensing Panel considered carefully the evidence submitted but did not consider that there was any evidence that would lead to any impact of the Licensing Objectives. It concluded that the licence should therefore be granted.

Resolved:

That the Premises Licence in respect of the Ruskin Hotel, 55-65 Albert Road be granted.