Agenda and minutes

Councillor Thomas was elected as Chair for the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Members were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary or other interest they may have in the business on the agenda.

Councillor Fonseca declared for the avoidance of doubt that he had sat on a previous Committee Hearing for Candle Rooms, but approached the application with an open mind.

Councillor Shelton declared for the avoidance of doubt that he had sat on a previous Committee Hearing for Candle Rooms, but approached the application with an open mind.

Councillor Thomas declared for the avoidance of doubt that he had sat on previous Committee Hearings for Candle Rooms, but approached the fresh application with an open mind.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the interests declared were not considered so significant in relation to the application that it was likely to prejudice a Member’s judgement of the public interests and Councillors were therefore not required to withdraw from the meeting.

The minutes of the previous Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee held on 22^nd February 2018 are attached and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee meeting held on 22^nd February 2018 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits the report on an application for a new premises licence within a Cumulative Impact Zone for Candle Rooms, 25 Gravel Street, Leicester LE1 3AG.

Report attached.  A copy of the associated documentation is attached for Members only.  Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.Cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by telephoning Democratic Support on 0116 454 6354.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report that required the Sub-Committee to determine an application for a new premises licence within a cumulative impact zone for Candle Rooms, 25 Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG.

The Sub-Committee noted that a representation had been received that necessitated that the application for a new premises licence within a cumulative impact zone had to be considered by the Sub-Committee.

The applicant Mr Madlani, the applicant’s representative Councillor Kitterick, PC Jon Webb from Leicestershire Police, the Licensing Team Manager and Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee were present. Also present was a reporter from the Leicester Mercury.

Introductions were made and the procedure for the meeting was outlined to those present.

The Licensing Team Manager presented the report. It was noted that a representation had been received from Leicestershire Police on 16^th February 2018 which related to the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and public safety licensing objectives. There was concern that although the application had made reference to the Cumulative Impact Zone, the applicant had not supplied details of training or their policies. Colour photographs of the outside of the premises were circulated to Members.

PC Webb from Leicestershire Police was given the opportunity to outline the reasons for the representation, and responded to questions from the Sub-Committee and the applicant’s representative.

The applicant and his representative Councillor Kitterick outlined the reasons for the application, and answered questions from Members.

Both parties were then given the opportunity to sum up their positions and make any final comments.

The Sub-Committee received legal advice from the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee in the presence of all those present, and were advised of the options available to them in making a decision. The Sub-Committee were also advised of the relevant policy and statutory guidance that needed to be taken into account when making their decision.

In reaching their decision, the Sub-Committee felt that they should deliberate in private on the basis that this was in the public interest and as such outweighed the public interest of their deliberation taking place with the parties represented present.

The applicant Mr Madlani, Councillor Kitterick, PC Jon Webb, the Licensing Team Manager and the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee then withdrew from the meeting.

The Sub-Committee then gave the application full and detailed consideration. The Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee was recalled to the meeting to advise Members on the wording of their decision.

The applicant Mr Madlani, Councillor Kitterick, PC Jon Webb, and the Licensing Team Manager then returned to the meeting.

The Chair informed all persons present that they had recalled the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee for advice on the wording of their decision.

RESOLVED:

that the application for a new premises licence within a Cumulative Impact zone for Candle Rooms, 25 Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG be granted, subject to the conditions consistent with operating schedule, and additional conditions below. An amendment was made to the operating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The meeting closed at 11.27am.