Agenda and minutes

Councillor Patricia Ellis was appointed as Chairman of this meeting of Licensing Sub-Committee A.

To confirm the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee A which took place on 2 May 2017 (to be laid on the table 30minutes before the meeting).

The minutes of the meeting which took place on 2 May 2017 were confirmed and signed.

To receive from Members declarations of personal and prejudicial interests in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting, in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest.

The purpose of this report is to enable the Sub-Committee to consider an application for a variation to the Premises Licence of The Fox, 21 Frensham Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3PH from Westgate Brewery, the current Premises Licence Holder.  The application has received 14 representations from ‘other persons’ and a representation from Environmental Health as a responsible authority.

Recommendation

The Sub-Committee is requested to consider the application for the variation of the premises licence on its merits.

Section 35(3) Licensing Act 2003 provides that the Sub-Committee, having regard to the relevant representations made, must take such of the following steps (if any) as it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives:

•           To modify the conditions of the premises licence, whether by alteration or omission of conditions or the addition of new conditions. Any  conditions must be appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, proportionate and should address the matters raised in the representations

•           To reject the application in whole or part.

The Sub-Committee received a report on an application for the variation to an existing premises licence for The Fox, 21 Frensham Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham. The application had received 14 representations from ‘other persons’ as well as a representation from Environmental Health as a responsible authority. A number of those who had made representations attended the meeting, and, as well as the applicant, were allowed to speak.

The Sub-Committee was advised that the applicant sought a number of amendments, specifically:

•           Permit licensable activity on the first floor

•           Permit the hours for licensable activity to extend on New Year’s Eve Terminal hour until 0200 on New Year’s Day.

•           Permit alcohol sales for an extra 30 minutes after existing alcohol hours on Monday to Saturday with 30 minutes thereafter for closing. 

•           Non-standard timings for the Sunday preceding a Bank Holiday Monday, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (where these days fall on Sunday) are proposed from 08.30 until 23.30 for licensable activities with 30 minutes thereafter for closing.

•           Remove all conditions on the operating schedule under further details except mandatory conditions, and replace with new ones, please see application attached at Annexe 2.

The Committee asked a number of questions in relation to the use of the outdoor

Space and particular concerns regarding noise emanating from the premises. The Applicants representative explained how the premises had changed in management and they were looking to attract different clientele. A significant amount of money had been spent to update the premises as well as the outdoor space and they were looking to attract people both in the morning for teas and coffees and in the evening for events. They would have good management in place to prevent inappropriate behaviour/nuisance and they would ensure that noise was carefully managed. They wanted to work closely with the community to ensure that the premises did not cause any problems and they would like to have an open dialogue with residents to speak with them if they ever did have any concerns.

It was noted that there had been problems with parking but the applicants representative confirmed that this was outside of their curtilage and you couldn’t confirm that those people were actually customers of The Fox. Furthermore, the concerns expressed about rubbish and people relieving themselves in close proximity to the premises the applicants representative again advised that they could not confirm that these were their customers but could be from people walking from other areas. In closing the applicants representative advised the Sub-Committee how dedicated the team was at The Fox to turn it around and be a successful venue for the community. They understood the concerns of the residents and would work hard to ensure that conditions/management were in place to mitigate any problems or issues if they arose.     

Following the conclusion of questions, the Sub-Committee then withdrew at 1.57pm. They returned at 3.50pm and the Council’s Solicitor confirmed she had been asked to advise the Sub-Committee during their deliberation on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.