Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the Sub-Committee B meeting.

Councillor Michael Godridge was elected Chairman for the purposes of the meeting.

Purpose

To consider an application for a new Premises Licence for 8 Downing Street, Farnham, Surrey. GU9 7PB, under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. Seven relevant representations have been received from ‘other persons’.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Sub-Committee considers the application and evidence of all parties involved at the hearing and then determine the application.

Members must determine the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

The Sub-Committee should take such steps (as described at paragraph 8.11 of the report) as it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The application made for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of 8 Downing Street, Farnham, was granted as below :-

Licensable activity                                                      Hours

Regulated entertainment (recorded music)                Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:00

                                                                                    Friday to Saturday 11:00 to 00:00     

Supply of alcohol (on premises)                                 Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:00  

Friday to Saturday 11:00 to 00:00

Opening hours                                                            Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:20

                                                                                    Friday to Saturday 11:00 to 00:20

1. Conditions

The operation of the premises under the licence shall be subject to the relevant mandatory conditions, conditions derived from the operation schedule highlighted in the application form and those agreed with Surrey Police and Environmental Health.

2. Reasons

The reasons for the decision are as follows:-

The licensing sub-committee heard from the applicant who outlined her plans in relation to the premises, and intention to operate a premium table service venue, similar to the Australian concept of ‘supper club’. The licensing sub-committee noted that the restaurant expected to seat 50 covers. The applicant acknowledged that the premises was surrounded by residential properties, and reiterated that they did not wish or intend to operate as a nightclub venue. The applicant mentioned that she had been residing at the upstairs living accommodation for the past three months whilst the refurbishment had been taking place, and understood the concerns raised but wished to operate their business in a neighbourly way. It was confirmed that their application was made for extended hours on the basis that the business would be offered a degree of flexibility, avoiding the need to apply by way of temporary event notice and to allow dispersal of guests over a more gradual period. The applicant set out her significant experience in the trade and explained that she had operated at another venue in Farnham situated at the Borough successfully for some three years, which was run in a sympathetic way, considerate of those surrounding properties.  It was clarified that the properties to the immediate left and right of the premises did not have any residential element (a tattooist and clinic rooms respectively), that the accommodation directly above the premises was under the control of the applicant and the previous use of the premises had been retail (a window blinds shop).

The licensing sub-committee considered all of the oral and written representations before it, received from both nearby residents as well as Farnham Town Council with regards to the licensing objective of prevention of public nuisance. During the hearing, it was clarified that there was no specific outdoor smoking area at the site and patrons would be able to smoke at the front of the premises. An objector confirmed that one immediately adjacent property did include an element of accommodation currently and was not a clinic room as the applicant had suggested. The committee noted the commentary provided by the representative of the Town Council with regards to the character and neighbourhood of this part of the town, which was notably formed of small terraced properties including  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.