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: International Market, 120 Granby Street, Leicester.

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 4546358.

(Wards affected: Castle)

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report that required Members to determine an application for a new premises licence within a cumulative impact zone for International Market, 120 Granby Street, Leicester.

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

Mr Abdullah Omar Abdullah, the applicant was present with his representative Mr Anil Bhawsar, also present was PC Jon Webb from Leicestershire Police, the Licensing Team Manager, the Solicitor to the sub-committee and a Trainee Solicitor (observing).

Introductions were led by the Chair 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 that related to    three of the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety and concerns were raised that the applicant had made no mention in their application with regards to the cumulative impact zone or taken into account the local problems and concerns.

PC Webb outlined the reasons for the representation. There were no questions from Members.

Mr Bhawsar on behalf of the applicant was then given the opportunity to outline the application, respond to the points made and to answer questions from Members.

Al parties were then given the opportunity to sum up their positions and make 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 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 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 in the presence of the parties.

The Licensing Team Manager, the Solicitor to the sub-committee, the Trainee Solicitor, PC Webb, Mr Abdullah and Mr Bhawsar 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 Trainee Solicitor was also present to observe process.

The Licensing Team Manager, PC Webb, Mr Abdullah and Mr Bhawsar 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: International Market, 120 Granby Street, Leicester be refused.

In reaching their decision the sub-committee said that the starting point for an application in a Cumulative Impact Zone was refusal and they did not find that the applicant fully understood the implications of being a responsible premises licence holder within a Cumulative Impact Zone. The sub-committee did not believe, on this occasion, that the Licensing Objectives would be upheld if the licence was granted.