The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding a New Premises Licence.

The Hearing Panel considered the written papers, oral representations of all parties as well as the relevant legislation and guidance.

The applicant’s agent addressed the Hearing Panel and stated that the applicant had worked in the hospitality trade for 10 years, some time of which was in the immediate area and, as such, the applicant had local knowledge and was well aware of the Licensing Objectives. The premises was to be a small kiosk offering drinks and snacks for take away or on site consumption at a small seating area. The agent stated that there had been no objections from Responsible Authorities but that local residents’ group and Local Ward Councillor held concerns. The agent explained that they had set up a meeting to address concerns around toilet use and felt that they had done so by arranging for patrons to use nearby facilities at another premises, but expressed their confusion that the residents’ group’s objection had not been retracted.

A Local Ward Councillor addressed the Hearing Panel and stated that they would have withdrawn their objection if the residents’ group had also withdrawn theirs but gave mention of concern over patrons remaining in the seating area after purchasing take away goods.

The Local Ward Councillors concern was addressed by the applicant having a lengthy experience in the hospitality trade.

During their deliberations the Hearing Panel felt that the application should be granted as applied for.

Decision

To grant the licence.