Agenda and minutes

The Clerk read out the procedure.

Cllr Chris Watt substituted for Cllr Anthony Clarke, who had sent his apologies.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Cllr Chris Watt raised a declaration of interest in relation to Item 10. He was the elected member for Midsomer Norton Redfield. Cllr Watt said there was no prejudicial reason not to participate, and believed he was capable of being objective towards the application.

There was none.

RESOLVED that the minutes of 3^rd March 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair (person).

RESOLVED that the minutes of 17^th March 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair (person).

The Chair explained the licensing hearing procedure.

The sub-committee considered the report which sought determination of an application for a new Premises Licence under s17 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Wetherspoons, 110 High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DA

Those present for the applicant:-

Nigel Connor – Solicitor for the applicant

Paul Dixey – J D Wetherspoon

Those from Responsible Authorities:-

Martin Purchase – Police Licensing Officer

Sgt Geoffrey Cannon - Police

Katherine Jones – Environmental Health Officer (‘EHO’)

The Senior Public Protection Officer presented the report and outlined the application for a new Premises License for the Sale of Alcohol and the provision of Late Night Refreshment at Wetherspoons, Midsomer Norton. Representations had been received from Responsible Authorities; namely Environmental Protection and the Police. The Senior Public Protection Officer said conditions had been agreed between the applicant and the police, with a slight modification around door staff. These conditions had been circulated to all parties yesterday. A Local resident Mr Mark Ashman had submitted a representation and whilst Mr Ashman was unable to attend the Sub-Committee meeting, his objection was noted

Applicant

Nigel Connor put the case on behalf of the applicant. He stated the conditions offered in the schedule were standard to new premises. Mr Connor said the premises, a former Palladium Cinema, had been empty for 20 years. Planning matters were still outstanding because a bat survey was required. This needs to be made at the right time of year. Mr Connor then drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to the plans for the premises. He stated the main customer area was situated on the ground floor, with the first floor comprising a smaller customer area, external area and cellar. Full CCTV was planned for all areas, including the front and back of the premises. Mr Connor estimated customer occupancy at 400, based on the fire safety risk assessment. The plan showed indicative positions for the tables and chairs. There was a disabled WC on the ground floor, with a staff changing area externally.

Mr Connor said the premises would have no music, entertainment or karaoke. It would be somewhere to go for a quiet drink or a meal. Mr Connor explained how Wetherspoons had operated since 1979, with 942 premises across UK and Ireland. He said the organisation had given greater access to families, and for food. In doing so, Mr Connor highlighted how Wetherspoons had addressed the smoking issues before the ban. He stated there was something for everyone, and not just young people. The emphasis on food before 11pm was an important feature. Mr Connor said the proportion of alcohol to food  was 50:50. As some alcohol would be consumed with food, the premises would be more than a pub. He noted that menus had been submitted to the Sub-Committee. Mr Connor saw the premises as family friendly with children be admitted whilst supervised. He said hot drinks would be popular, with an estimated 2000 teas and coffees per week. Mr Connor explained that as there was already competitive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 154.

The sub-committee considered the report which sought determination of an application to vary the existing Premises Licence under s34 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of The Wine Bar, 19 High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DP.

Those present for the applicant - Punch Taverns:-

Mike Culley – Regional Business Manager

Paul Brunsden – DPS & Partner

Alison Brunsden – Partner

Those from Responsible Authorities:-

Martin Purchase – Police Licensing Officer

The Senior Public Protection Officer presented the report and outlined the application to vary an existing Premises License at The Wine Bar, Keynsham. A representation had been received from the Police as a Responsible Authority. The Senior Public Protection Officer said conditions had been agreed about signage, CCTV and off-sales. Local residents Mr and Mrs Knight had also submitted a representation about the potential for increased noise to families living locally to the premises. Whilst Mr and Mrs Knight were unable to attend the Sub-Committee meeting, their objections were noted.

Applicant

Mr Mike Culley spoke first for the applicant’s case. He described the proposal to extend sale of alcohol and background recorded music. Mr Culley promised the premises would not be attracting new people late at night. The current patrons currently enjoyed the premises as a wine bar. The current licensees had been with The Wine Bar for 6.5 years. Previous to this, they had run wine bars in France for 10 years. Mr Culley emphasised the premises is a wine bar, and not a pub. The operation attracted a more mature age group; where they can enjoy company and music would be in the background. There is a courtyard to the rear of the building. Mr Culley was happy to discuss the issue of timings. He had considered the impact of the premises on the surrounding area. Mr Culley described the surrounding area as including a coach-house, council premises and storage areas. He said the biggest noise was from the bypass. Mr Culley stated he was happy to meet with the EHO. For clarity, he further explained how the listing of performance of dance had been carried over from a previous licence.

Ms Alison Brunsden spoke next for the applicant’s case. She was proud of The Wine Bar, and had never received complaints from residents. Ms Brunsden described flats were nearby and above the local HSBC bank, butcher and PC shop. She reflected how there were no complaints following New Year’s Eve and weddings. Ms Brunsden said the Police had never warned the premises. She was surprised at the resident’s representation against the application. If Ms Brunsden had known, she would have done something before.

Representation  – Mr Martin Purchase (Police)

Mr Purchase said conditions had been agreed with the applicant’s solicitors. He had nothing further to add to the Sub-Committee.

The representative of the Responsible Authority did not want to sum up but the Applicants did. Mr Culley said the application was not unreasonable.  He explained there was no form of noise nuisance. The application was to extend on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 155.

The sub-committee considered the report which sought determination of an application to vary the existing Premises Licence under s34 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Midsomer Norton Cricket Ground, Withies Lane, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2JE.

Those present for the applicant:-

Ken Bowen-Jones – Midsomer Norton Cricket Ground Committee

Tom Webb – Designated Premises Supervisor

Those Other Persons present:-

Cllr Brian Lawrence – Midsomer Norton Town Council

Dr Guy Worsdall

Martyn Russell JP

The Senior Public Protection Officer presented the report and outlined the application to vary an existing Premises License at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club. She said no representations had been received from the Responsible Authorities.  Representations had been received from Midsomer Norton Town Council and a number of local residents.  The Senior Public Protection Officer stated that representations about revellers from other licenced premises and their waste were not relevant to this application.

Applicant

Mr Tom Webb spoke for the applicant’s case. He helped run the cricket club on a voluntary basis. Mr Webb wanted to see the club continue. He said it was financially difficult for sports clubs due to the spiralling costs of coaching, child protection etc. Mr Webb stated the club offered junior cricket opportunities for children between 2-16 years of age. He spoke of how the club visited schools as well. Mr Webb made the Sub-Committee aware that they received no support from the ECB or the Somerset Cricket Board. Whilst money came from fixtures played, the major earnings came from the bar. Mr Webb says there is a danger of the club not remaining solvent. He wanted the club to be able to offer facilities to locals, and especially families. Mr Webb wanted opportunities for future generations.  Prior to his current role as bar management he was honorary secretary of the committee for four years. During this time Mr Webb said there had been no noise complaints from residents, B&NES, Avon & Somerset Police or the Town Council.

The following information was given in answer to questions:-

·  Mr Webb confirmed that he could not recall a complaint, even during his time as honorary secretary.

·  Mr Bowen-Jones explained that the club was not intending to do outside music. They were not in the market for big outside events.

·  Mr Bowen-Jones stated that since taking over, the wooden building had been redecorated inside. To prevent disturbance, the music can be turned 180 degrees to face the ground, rather than towards houses (as previous).

·  Since last October Mr Bowen-Jones said there had only been 4 events. They are not looking to play music every week.

·  Mr Bowen-Jones said the application for starting earlier was with a view to offering children’s parties.

·  Mr Bowen-Jones explained he just wants to be above-board

·  The additional opening would allow the applicants the potential to raise extra funds. Mr Bowen-Jones thought about a third more could be raised from serving teams arriving back to the club.

·  Late night refreshments Mr Bowen-Jones confirmed would only be drinks not food.

·  Mr Webb  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.