notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He then outlined the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 at 230 park road, sittingbourne.

The Chairman introduced the report which set out the application for a new premises licence at 230 Park Road, Sittingbourne. He reported that four further letters of objection had been received.

Mr Sivaraman, the Applicant, gave an overview of his application. He stated that whilst he respected the concerns of residents, he had been in the off-licence trade for at least two to three years, and the pharmacy and retail trade for more than 15 years. He had a proven record in retail and would adhere to the regulations contained within the licence.

Mr Hymus, spoke on behalf of local residents, and raised the following objections: unsuitable location for an off-licence; would lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour; cause problems for residents accessing the adjoining alleyway, which was not covered by CCTV; cause parking and access problems; deliveries to the store could compromise emergency vehicles trying to access adjoining properties; lead to an increase in traffic, making it dangerous for local children; increase litter and underage drinking.

In response to a query, the Assistant Solicitor, was not able to comment on whether the property was subject to a covenant restricting the sale of alcohol.

Mr Sivaraman stated that as it was a small premises it was unlikely to attract customers from out of the area, therefore parking should not be a problem, and only a small delivery van would be needed on an infrequent basis, so there should be no problems with regard to parking/access. With regard to concerns about the sale of alcohol, he stated that they would operate this in a responsible manner as they would not want to lose their licence.

In response to a query from a Member, Mr Sivaraman agreed to install a litter bin outside of the premises.

Mr Rowley, Kent Police, reported that the applicant had agreed to the conditions proposed by them, however they did have concerns that the proposal could lead to public nuisance given its residential location.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:25 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 10:55 am.

The Chairman stated that they were not present to decide the hours of the shop opening. He further stated that they had listened to and read all objections to the application, and whilst it was sited in a terrace of houses it was the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that all conditions were adhered to. He advised that the conditions outlined in the report would have to be complied with before the licence could be implemented, and that with regard to the times for the sale of alcohol, with the conditions as laid down, any amendment would be difficult to defend on appeal. Therefore they approved the licence.

The Chairman stated however, that they were also sympathetic to the residents and as a safeguard to this licence there was a review procedure that could be called-in at any time if there was a problem. Therefore from today all members of the public had the right to appeal to the magistrates court within 21 days.

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 at the winchester club, the broadway, sheerness.

The Chairman introduced the report which set out the application for a new premises licence at The Winchester Club, The Broadway, Sheerness.

Mr Bartlett, the applicant's agent, gave an overview of the application. He stated that it would be a quiet mature members only establishment with a minimum age of 25 years.

Mr Bartlett reported that the concerns of Swale Borough Council's Environmental Health Officer (EHO) had been resolved subject to the inclusion of the following conditions: that no recorded or live music be played on Thursdays after midnight; no more than 12 recorded and live music events per annum and no deliveries shall be made to the premises between the hours of 20:00 and 08:00 on any day.

Mr Bartlett then circulated a copy of suggested amendments to the conditions proposed by the Police, which Members considered. Mr Rowley, Kent Police, advised that they were in agreement with the proposed amendments.

In response to questions, Mr Bartlett stated that it was intended to erect a rope barrier outside the club as a designated smoking area, which would be supervised by Security Industry Authority staff. Kent Fire Brigade were happy with the alterations being made which would allow capacity to increase from 60 to 100, although this was unlikely to occur. The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) would be a Mr Wigglesworth, and an application from him was imminent.

Discussions ensued about the showing of live sporting events at non-standard times and it was agreed that Temporary Events Notices would be applied for in these instances.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 11:30 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 11:40 am.

The Chairman advised that the conditions outlined in the report would have to be complied with before the licence could be implemented.