Agenda and minutes

To elect a chairman for the puroses of this meeting.

Cllr Robert Knowles was elected Chairman for the purpose of this meeting.

The purpose of the report is to enable the Sub-Committee to consider an application for a variation to the Premises Licence of The Hop Blossom, Long Garden Walk, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7HX under section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003, made by Poppleston Allen Solicitors on behalf of Fullers, Smith and Turner Plc, the current Premises Licence Holder. A number of representations have been received by the Licensing Authority and therefore the application must be determined by the Sub-Committee.

The Committee considered carefully the papers, representations received and comments made during the hearing as well as the Statement of Licensing Policy in relation to the proposed variation.

During the hearing, guidance was sought from the Licensing Manager about the suitability of the proposed variation with regards to enforcement of the condition suggested. It was noted that the applicant had no objection to their application being considered in light of his comments for the purposes of clarification and future enforceability. This being the suggestion that no drinks could be taken outside/drinking should be allowed after a certain designated time, rather than mention as in the current conditions to a time limit after which drinks could not be taken outside as well as a distinct time after which no drinks could be consumed outside.

The Committee noted in particular that no representations had been received from members of the public including nearby residents, or environmental health with regards to possible noise nuisance concerns. In addition, the Committee heard of the steps and arrangements already in place at the establishment, including signs reminding customers to act in a neighbourly and considerate way, the incident log which was completed on a daily basis and presented to the Committee, and the fact that nearby residents have the contact details of the DPS. The Committee also took account of the style and characteristics of the premises in their deliberations. Members also noted in particular the nature and size of the limited seating area outside – and the fact that this area was covered by cctv which could also be used to monitor activities at the establishment.

Consideration was given to the representations received on the basis of potential issues relating to public nuisance (noise) , however, it was felt that those reflected concerns rather than evidence of any particular issues which needed to be addressed and or which engaged the licensing objectives.

In those circumstances, the Committee felt that that no further steps or conditions were necessary in order to promote the licensing objectives and the application was granted to allow a variation to condition 1 in the amended terms sought so that this now reflects

No glasses or bottles shall be taken outside of the premises after 2200 hours and the DPS or a suitably trained member of staff shall ensure that no one is drinking outside after this time.