Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Chair outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Chair opened the meeting and asked those present to introduce themselves.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report which asked Members to consider an application for the grant of a new premises license under the Licensing Act 2003 at 13 Market Place, Faversham, ME13 7AF.

The Licensing Officer introduced the application as set out in the report and highlighted as below:

·         The proposed sale of alcohol  between the hours of 10:00 and 24:00 daily for consumption on and off the premises;

·         the provision of late-night refreshment between the hours of 23:00 and 00:30 daily indoors and outdoors; and

·         opening hours from 08:00 and 00:30 daily.

The Licensing Officer explained  that there had been two representations from members of the public objecting to the application and two representations in support. The representations against were made on the basis of the licensing objectives of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance. The Licensing Officer also confirmed that, following submission of the application, the applicant had proposed to reduce the hours sought for opening and licensable activities to midnight, 7 days a week.

The Chair asked the Applicant to present his case.

The Applicant declared his readiness to change the Operating Schedule in this way:

·         Sale of alcohol Sunday – Thursday 10:00 – 23:00, Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 23:30;

·         opening hours Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 00:00; and

·         late night refreshment – Sunday – Thursday 22:00 – 23:00, Friday – Saturday 22:00 – 23:30.

In addition, late night refreshment would be limited to hot drinks only and no hot food would be available beyond 23:00.

The Applicant explained about the productive discussions  with the objectors prior to the hearing and that the objectors were in agreement to the application, subject to the changes proposed.

The Chair invited the Objectors to speak.

The Objectors confirmed that, with the proposed additions as outlined by the Applicant, they were in support of the application. They would have preferred 23:00, but  otherwise were in agreement.

In response, the Applicant said the Lounge concept was not a bar, but it was a homely, relaxed  place which attracted a diverse customer base from breakfast and coffee, to lunch and afternoon tea, and evening meals.

The Chair invited Members to ask questions.

The Chair invited the Applicant and Objectors to summarise their closing remarks.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned at 11.55 am to make their decision.

Members of the Sub-Committee, the Lawyer (Contentious) and the Democratic Services Officer returned to the meeting at 12.15 pm and the decision, attached as Appendix I to these minutes, was announced. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the Application be granted subject to the proposed reduction in hours notified verbally at the hearing and the additional condition regarding late night refreshments as set-out in the Decision Notice.