Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed all those in attendance and introductions were made.  The Chair reminded those present that the meeting was being live-streamed and recorded and would be made available following the meeting via the Council’s website – Click Here to View

No apologies for absence were received.

There were no declarations of interest made at the beginning or during the course of the meeting.

The Chairman 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 application and plan of the premises together with the written submissions from the Responsible Authorities, Local Ward Member and Local Residents who were objecting to the application.

The Licensing Manager presented the report which outlined the application submitted for a new premise licence at the former Stone House Inn pub, 25 Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, NP12 3LZ with the proposed operating hours for the supply of alcohol (off sales only).

·        Sale of Alcohol (off sales only)

                        Monday to Sunday inclusive – 8.00 – 23.00

The Licensing Officer then referred to representations received in relation to the application from Responsible Authorities/Other Persons i.e. Local Ward Member and Local Residents that were set out within the report.  Copies of which were circulated with the agenda. 

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

·        Grant the application as requested to include, where appropriate, mandatory conditions

·        Modify the conditions specified in the operating schedule by altering, omitting or adding to them.

·        Reject the whole or part of the application.

The Applicants representative addressed the Sub Committee and outlined the application which  he indicated complied with all aspects of the Statement of Licensing Policy within Caerphilly, thereby minimizing the potential for the Licensing Objectives to be undermined.   The Sub Committee were informed that the Applicant had held a personal licence for many years and had several similar establishments providing the sale of alcohol which have all been run responsibly and without causing any issues inline with the Licensing Objectives. 

Response was made to the concerns raised by the Local Ward Member and Local Residents in their representations.  However, the Sub Committee were reminded that parking and traffic issues are not a matter to be taken into consideration and these matters should be dealt with by the Planning Department.  In relation to the concerns raised regarding Crime and Disorder, the Sub Committee were advised by the Applicants representative that stats had been obtained from the Home Office site for the past six months and comparatively low level crime rate compared with other areas in Gwent.  However, the residents and Local Ward Member were assured that the Applicant is proactive and understands his responsibility as a business owner and has accepted additional conditions that the Police and the Licensing Authority have suggested to be added to the licence should it be granted, to help alleviate any potential for Crime and Disorder or Public Safety originating from the premises.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.