Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report on an application for a new premises licence within a Cumulative Impact Zone for Walshy’s Sportspad, 8 Western Road, Leicester, LE3 0GA.

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 4546369.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, submitted a report that required Members to determine an application for a new premises licence within a Cumulative Impact Zone for Walshy’s Sportspad, 8 Western Road, Leicester, LE3 0GA.

Members noted that a representation had been received in respect of the application, which necessitated that the application had to be considered by Members.

The applicants - Mr James Clarke, Mr Sam Waite and Mr Christian Smith all named as Directors for the premises were present. PC Jon Webb from Leicestershire Police, the Licensing Team Manager and the Solicitor to the Sub-Committee were also present at the hearing.

It was noted that a representative of the Press was also present.

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

The Licensing Team Manager presented the report and outlined the details of the application. It was noted that a representation had been received from Leicestershire Police that related to two of the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. Photographs showing external views of the current premises were circulated to everyone present at the meeting. There were no questions from members, the applicants or the Police.

PC Jon Webb outlined the reasons for the representation and answered questions from Members. There were no questions from the applicants.

Sam Waite the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) was then given the opportunity to outline the details of the application, responded to the points made and answered questions from Members and the Police.

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

Prior to Members considering the application, the Solicitor to the Sub-Committee advised Members of the options available to them in making a decision. Members 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, Members felt 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 Licensing Team Manager, the Solicitor to the Sub-Committee, the applicants, PC Webb and the Press then withdrew from the meeting.

Members then gave the application full and detailed consideration.

The Solicitor to the Sub-Committee was then recalled to the hearing to give advice on the wording of the decision.

The Licensing Team Manager, the applicants, PC Webb and the Press then returned to the meeting.

The Chair informed all persons present that they had recalled the Solicitor 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 Walshy’s Sportspad, 8 Western Road, Leicester, LE3 0GA be granted with an additional condition.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee members had considered the application and the representations made in great detail. The Sub-Committee considered that the element of pre booking and the hours of opening went a long way to not contributing to the proliferation of alcohol problems in this area. The Sub-Committee did however have concerns regarding the security elements posed by these premises and therefore wished to see a Security Guard employed on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm to the close. With this and all the other conditions listed at appendix C, the Sub-Committee granted the licence as applied for.