The Committee and officers present were asked to introduce themselves, and the procedure that would be followed was outlined.

The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park. Nobody must leave the assembly point until everybody can be accounted for and nobody must return to the building until the Chairman has informed them that it is safe to do so; and

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Chairman made sure that those present were aware of the fire evacuation procedure.

A change to the membership was announced and the membership of this Sub-Committee was as follows:  Councillors Bobbin (Chairman), Prescott and Anita Walker.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for  themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

To consider an application for variation of the premises licence at Milton Mini Mart, 87a North Street, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Kent.

The Senior Licensing Officer introduced the application for a variation of the premises licence at Milton Mini Mart, 87a North Street, Milton Regis.  The application was for the extension on licensable hours to: Monday to Saturday 07:00 – 23:00; Sunday 07:00 – 22:00; and a change of plan of the premises. 

The Senior Licensing Officer drew attention to the representations received which were set out in Appendices C, D and E of the Committee report.  She reminded Members that the application should be considered on its merits.

Mr Alan Furze, the Applicant’s Agent, presented the Applicant’s case.  Mr Furze explained that the applicant simply wanted to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol from 8am to 7am.  He noted some of the concerns raised by local residents but considered these related to late night anti-social behaviour.  Mr Furze stated that the premises had operated with the same evening hours for the last 10 years and during that time the Police had not raised any concerns. 

Mr Furze stated that the Police had suggested some conditions which they were happy to implement.  The Police had subsequently withdrawn their representation. 

In response to a query from a Member, Mr Furze confirmed that the extension of the licensable hours included all bank holidays.

There were no questions from the Ward Member.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 11am.  Members of the Sub-Committee, Senior Lawyer – Contentious and the Democratic Services Officer returned at 11.30am, when the meeting was re-convened.

The decision, as set out at Appendix I to these minutes was announced.

Resolved:  The Sub-Committee agreed to grant the licence as applied for subject to conditions.