Agenda and minutes

Councillor Swan was appointed Chair.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose.

The purpose of this report is for the committee to consider an application for the grant of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act).  The matter has been referred to the committee for determination following the receipt of five representations by local residents (other persons).

The committee is asked to determine the matter.

Present.

William and Lucy Branson, the applicants.

Susan West, resident in Broad Street.

The Principal Licensing Officer introduced his report and explained that Ms Baird had retracted her objection for an off sales licence provided that it is restricted only to diners taking away partially consumed bottles.

There were no questions.

William Branson included the following points in his representation:

·         They have run the Tenth Hole café in Southsea for more than five years.

·         They are mindful that the Canteen is set on the waterfront in a historic monument in a residential area.

·         Although they have planning permission to open until 22:00, from May to September, the premises will normally be open until 21:00.  During the Winter months, it will be open from 08:00 until 17:00.

·         There is capacity for 50 people inside and 16 in one outside area and 32 in the other.

·         Alcohol is only served to customers with a table number.

·         There is one entrance and exit.

·         They want customers to be able to take unfinished bottles of wine home after a meal.

·         The amount of disorderly behaviour in the area has reduced following the investment from the council. It is well-lit and a hive of activity in the evenings.

·         There will be a sign displayed by the door reminding patrons to respect residents by keeping noise to a minimum after they leave.

·         Staff are fully trained. 

·         There will be CCTV inside the premises.

·         There were no objections from the Licensing Manager.

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

·         They are requesting the flexibility to serve alcohol until 22:00 in order to be able to host art exhibitions, which the council requested that they do and private events.  There are no plans to host wedding receptions.

·         One of the outside seating areas overlooks the Solent and is only open when the tide is low.  There will be no music there.  The second outside area has seating for take-away customers.   No alcohol will be supplied to either of the outside areas.

·         Bottles are opened for customers on the premises. 

·         There is a very limited range of alcohol available: two types of red and white wines, one prosecco and some craft beers. 

·         Customers would not be permitted to take away beer.

At the Chair's request the Legal Advisor explained that the committee has limited influence over music inside the premises unless it is causing a public nuisance.

In response to questions from Ms West, Mr Branson explained that:

·         The beer would be served in bottles and glasses.

·         Alcohol would be served from 17:00.

·         The committee considered the alcohol licences that are held by nearby venues.

·         It is not possible to estimate how many times they will open until 22:00. 

·         It would not be practical to apply for a Temporary Event Notice every time they wished to open for an extra hour i.e. until 22:00.

The Legal Advisor explained that a maximum of 50 TENs can be applied for in one year. 

DECISION
Licensing Act 2003  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.