Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

There were no declarations of interest received at the commencement or during the course of the meeting.

The Chair opened the meeting and introductions were made.

            The Legal Advisor to the Sub Committee outlined the procedure for the meeting and reported that Members had previously familiarised themselves with the report of the Licensing Officer, the premises application and supporting documentation, together with the written representations of Responsible Authorities, and from local residents (as defined as Other Persons in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003) who were objecting to the application. 

Mrs Kathryn Hopkins (Senior Licensing Officer) presented the report and outlined the application submitted by the Coffee Vault, High Street, Newbridge, for a new premises licence which sought to permit the following licensable activities:-

Supply of Alcohol

·         Monday to Sunday inclusive 11.30 to 23.00

The Sub Committee were referred to the representations received in relation to the application and it was noted that the responses from the Police, Trading Standards and Child Protection indicated they did not wish to make representations in respect of the application.  Members were also referred to the representations received from a Responsible Authority (Licensing Authority) and from Other Persons (from a local resident and the Tabernacle Baptist Church) as set out in the Licensing Officer’s report.  Copies of the representations were attached to the report that was circulated with the agenda. 

Attention was drawn to the local policy considerations and national guidance as set out in the report and to the way in which the Sub Committee would deal with the application.  It was explained that the Sub Committee must have regard to all the representations made and to the evidence heard, and take such steps as is considered necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

            All parties present were afforded the opportunity to ask questions and representations were then invited from Responsible Authorities.

Mrs Annette Dicks (Assistant Licensing Manager) explained that the representation from the Licensing Authority related to the Prevention of Public Nuisance Licensing Objective, and suggested the placing of a notice reminding customers to leave the premises quietly due to its location within the town centre.  She confirmed that the applicant was agreeable to the condition and that it be added to the operating schedule should the licence be granted.

All parties were afforded the opportunity to ask questions and the Chair queried whether representations had been received from the Fire and Rescue Service.  It was confirmed that all Responsible Authorities had been sent copies of the application and that the Fire and Rescue Service had not responded.  The Chair sought clarification on the location of the emergency exits at the premises and it was confirmed that this had been included in the premises plan contained within the agenda papers.  The Chair also queried whether provision had been made for a smoking area, and Licensing Officers explained that this is not a licensable activity.  The applicant (Ms Helen Dent) confirmed that there was no designated smoking area at the premises and that there is a fire escape at the premises.

Representations were then invited from Other Persons.

Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.