Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Toby Simon and Cllr George Tomlin was present as substitute for the duration of the meeting.

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

(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 4.4 Appendix 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 Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no urgent business.

The Chair referenced the procedure that would be followed during the course of the meeting.

Those that were present confirmed that they had received and understood the licensing procedure.

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) introduced the report to the Sub-Committee.  He explained that the applicant was seeking the following variations to the existing premises licence:

To extend the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol for consumption off premises from 6am to midnight every day to 8am to 3am every day and to amend opening hours accordingly.

He informed the Sub-Committee that two representations had been received within the statutory period from a Councillor and a member of the public.  They expressed concerns that the applicant’s proposals are likely to undermine the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Prevention of Public Nuisance and Public Safety Licensing Objectives. 

He also explained that following consultation with the police, additional measures to those already contained in Annex 2 of the current Premises Licence have been offered by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives.

Mr Donne, Licensing Consultant, addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant.  He outlined the reasons for the request to vary the Licence and explained that the Licensee is a very experienced operator.

Mr Raichura, the applicant, explained that he is trying to rebuild his business post-Covid and that he also trades from a premises in Broad Street, Bath.  The Broad Street premises currently opens until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 1am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  The Terrace Walk premises sells a wide range of goods and not just alcohol.

Mr Donne also pointed out that if there were any incidents in the area, then CCTV would be available for the Police to view.  The applicant would also have access to the Pub Watch system and so would be aware of any individuals who should not be permitted to buy alcohol.  He stated that the representations raised did not provide any evidence to support their claims.

In response to a question from Cllr Tomlin Mr Raichura stated that he expected that the Terrace Walk store was likely to open at the same times as the Broad Street store and so was unlikely to be open until 3am every day.

Cllr Steve Hedges asked whether the applicant would consider an additional condition requiring a sign to be placed near the exit asking customers to be quiet when leaving the area.  The applicant stated that he would be happy to accept this as an additional condition.

Cllr Paul Roper addressed the Sub-Committee stating that, whilst he supported the nighttime economy, he felt that a number of his constituents were not aware of this request to open the store until 3am.  He raised concerns about anti-social behaviour such as increased noise, people congregating in the area and disruption for local residents.

Mr Donne highlighted the fact that there is a statutory requirement to advertise the request to vary the licence and that signs have been displayed in the shop window, the request has been advertised in the local newspaper and was also available on the Council’s website.  In response to a question, Cllr Roper confirmed that he has not received  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.