Agenda and minutes

No interests were declared.

Councillor Julie Swan was appointed Chair.

Purpose.

The purpose of this report is for the committee to consider an application for the variation of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 ('the Act').  The matter has been referred to the committee for determination following formal representations being made by 'other persons' namely residents living nearby concerned over additional noise this application would make.

RECOMMENDED that the committee determine this matter.

Derek Stone, Principal Licensing Officer introduced the report and in response to questions from members, clarified the following points:

·         The complaints made in 2014 were from Homeheights residents. 

·         The applicant had amended the application to request the use of the garden for the purposes of regulated entertainment until 23:00 hours.

·         The unfounded complaint mentioned in the report was probably in August 2014.

There were no questions from the applicant or the other persons.

John Thurston included the following points in his application:

·         He values the concerns of the neighbours and does not want to cause unnecessary problems.

·         The comfort of our guests is our priority.  They would be the first to complain if there was a noise nuisance.

·         The hotel was there before other buildings in this area such as Homeheights. 

·         This is an area of entertainment. 

·         The hotel has a very good record, but he acknowledged that there had been more calls recently, perhaps due to increased activity in the garden. 

·         One noise complaint was unfounded as there was nothing happening in the hotel that night. 

·         Sometimes guests do not heed the signs stating that fire doors should not be opened.  When they do open them, staff shut the doors and ask the guests not to do it again. 

·         The licensing department suggested that the hotel vary its licence in order to tidy up the paperwork. 

·         The hotel has no intention of doing anything it has not done previously.  Entertainment in the garden is low key and would probably continue to take place on Sundays until 19:00 when the entertainment would be switched off and ambient music would continue.

·         Between Homeheights and the hotel there is some wasteland that will be developed. 

·         The hotel asks residents to contact them if there is a problem.

Drew Roberston-Young included the following points in his representation:

·         He is the bar manager with responsibility for all licensing issues. 

·         He has a very good working relationship with residents especially Mr Hastings who alerted us when people were stealing lead from the roof.

·         He has a good working relationship with the police

·         Noise can occur when people enter or leave the hotel. 

·         A Duty Manager is present at all events. 

·         There is a taxi telephone number at the reception. 

In response to questions from members, they clarified the following points:

·         Entertainment in the garden would normally end at 19:00 hours.

·         There are two designated areas for smoking: the garden and the patio area which is to the side of the main entrance.

·         They did not know the date of the unfounded complaint.

·         The small increase in complaints might have been due to the increase in guests. 

·         At 07:30 the hotel serves champagne breakfasts but would not serve beers or spirits.  The main bar opens at 11:00.

·         He will continue to liaise with Councillor Hastings.

·         Recorded music is at a low level in the morning. 

·         There are no bars next to the hotel.  However, one resident at a nearby block of flats regularly holds noisy parties.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.