Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting.

Cllr J M Downes was duly elected Chairman

Members to note the Remote Meetings Protocol

The Sub Committee had before it, and NOTED, the *Remote Meetings Protocol.

Note: *Remote Meetings Protocol previously circulated and attached to the minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of Substitute Members (if any).

There were no apologies or substitute Members.

An application has been received for a new premises licence for Frankies Bar, 40 High Street, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1AE.

Relevant representations have been received and the licensing authority (Mid Devon District Council) must hold a hearing to determine the application.    

Consideration was given to a report * of the Lead Licensing Officer relating to an application that had been received by Frankies Bar, 40 High Street, Cullompton EX15 1AE.  This was a requirement of the Council as the Licensing Authority.

The Licensing Sub Committee agreed that the meeting should be heard in public session.

The Lead Licensing Officer stated that the reason for the hearing was that a new premise license application had received representations objecting to the application and the Council, as the Licensing Authority, was obliged to hold a hearing to determine the application.

The officer outlined the contents of the report and explained the four licensing objectives, those being public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm and the prevention of crime and disorder. The options before the Sub Committee in relation to the licence were also outlined.

The applicant had provided details on the steps they intended to take to promote the four licensing objectives.

There had been no representations from the responsible authorities and the applicant had agreed to additional conditions in consultation with the Police and Environmental Health. The Fire Service had confirmed that it would deal with the applicant direct on any necessary fire precaution measures.

The applicants agent explained to the Sub Committee that the reason for extended opening hours was to ensure that there were staggered leaving times with other establishments. The Police had agreed to conditions and were satisfied that the extended opening times would not lead to increased instances of crime and disorder.

He further explained that additional conditions offered included no more than 10 smokers allowed outside after 11.00pm and no drinks would be allowed to be consumed outside. In addition, the extended music license was not intended to be used 7 days a week but would be used on demand and would offer some flexibility to the business to hold events on different days if required. Doors and windows would be closed after 11.00pm to minimise noise.

The Committee then heard statements from interested parties who made the following representations:

·         The sale of alcohol could lead to drunk and disorderly/anti social behaviour

·         People smoking in the street

·         Music from the premises could lead to a nuisance in a residential area

·         Possible safeguarding issues

·         The late licence could lead to drunk people, smokers and drinkers on the street in a residential area

·         Additional drinkers in the area could cause issues

·         Possible safety of customers when leaving the premises

·         Possible disorder with the late licence and customers standing on the High Street (smoking and drinking)

Objectors then questioned the amount of people who would be allowed in the premises at any one time and the Lead Licensing Officer stated that this was not in the remit of the Licensing Authority and was determined by the Fire Service using fire safety legislation.

In response to a question from the public regarding the notice of publication procedure for the application, the Lead Licensing Officer explained that notices had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.