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 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 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 Candle Rooms, 25 Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG.

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 applicant Mr Ashik Madlani together with his representative Mr Ibrahim Kadri were both present. PC Jon Webb from Leicestershire Police, the Licensing Team Manager and the Solicitor to the Sub-Committee were also present at the hearing.

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 three of the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. Photographs showing external views of the current premises were circulated to everyone present at the meeting. The Chair queried whether the premises opposite was a night club. PC Webb confirmed this query. There were no further questions from members, the Police or the applicant.

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

The applicant/ representative requested to circulate an additional statement in support of their application. Members agreed for the circulation. Mr Ibrahim Kadri and Mr Ashik Madlani were 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 applicant with his representative and PC Webb 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 applicant with his representative and PC Webb 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 Candle Rooms, 25 Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG be refused.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee members had considered this application carefully and also the representations made on behalf of the Police. The Sub-Committee found that the applicant has not demonstrated that the grant of the licence with or without conditions would not add to the existing problems in the Cumulative Impact Zone. The Sub-Committee felt that the grant of the licence would undermine the promotion of the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance and public safety. The application was accordingly refused.