Agenda and minutes

To elect a chairman for the purposes of this meeting.

Cllr John Robini was elected as Chair for the purpose of this meeting.

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 submitted for this meeting

An application has been received for a new premises licence from Reel Cinemas Limited in respect of a cinema complex situated over ground, 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd floors, 8 Old Market Place, Farnham as part of the new Brightwells development, where six relevant representations have been received.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Sub-Committee determine the application.

The Licensing panel convened in person on 13 July 2023 to determine an application for a new premises licence.

The Licensing panel carefully considered all the relevant information including

·         Written and oral representations made by the parties

·         The licensing act 2003 and the steps appropriate to promote the licensing objectives

·         The guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (the statutory guidance)

·         Waverley’s statement of licensing policy

·         The human rights act 1998

The Committee took into consideration the committee report, and application form which sought to licence the premises for the licensable activities

During the consultation process, six representations were received from interested persons which formed part of the committee report, and which were expanded upon during the course of the hearing. Withing the application a number of representations were made including elements not relevant to the licensing objectives. The representations received centred around perceived issues of crime and disorder and public nuisance.

It was noted by the committee that there had been no representations made by any of the responsible authorities.

The sub-committee heard in person from:

Mr Muhammad Faisal – Head of Operations at Reel.

Mr David Roberts of Knights Solicitors, Representing the applicant Reel.

Cllr George Hesse, Ward Councillor (objector on behalf of Farnham Town Council)

Cllr Andy Macleod, Farnham Councillor and Surrey CC (speaker)

Mr David Howell, Local Resident (objector)

The representations received were in relation to possible noise nuisance in the area and possible anti-social behaviour

The applicants advised that Reel was an established company with 15 existing cinemas and 3 others currently in development.  It was emphasised that the average day’s finish would be around 11.30pm with the 24 hour openings sought to allow flexibility for Premieres of films, private events, concerts and sporting events and showings linked to timings across the world and or premieres. It was reiterated the venue was not advertised as a drinking venue but alcohol was being sold as part of the viewing experience and would only be sold to ticketed patrons.

The sub-committee clarified a number of points with the applicant regarding timings of events, access to the premises and sale of alcohol. The Committee noted that the applicant was prepared to reduce the applied for hours regarding the same of alcohol to 1am  from 2.30 am as set out within the application .

The sub-committee noted that a number of conditions had been agreed with the police outside of the committee and had been submitted and accepted by the applicants in support of their application .

The committee was pleased to hear of the arrangements in place to deal with the management of customers both entering and leaving the venue . It was also appreciated that this was a purpose built premises within a development with considered arrangements and relevant experience with regards to possible noise management issues raised by objectors, which did not appear to be based on evidence. It was further noted that the premises was positioned close to a car park area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider any legal advice relating to any applications in the agenda.