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 Dolce & Verde, 31 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 3SL.

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 the sub-committee to determine an application for a new premises licence within a cumulative impact zone for Dolce & Verde, 31 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 3SL.

The sub-committee noted that a representation had been received in respect of the application which necessitated that the application be considered by the sub-committee.

Mr Harry Murphy, the applicant was present, as was PC Webb from Leicestershire Police, the Licensing Team Manager and the Solicitor to the sub-committee.

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 two of the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance and concerns had been raised that the applicant had made no reference to the Cumulative Impact Zone in his application and it was assumed that the licensing policy had not been fully consulted prior to submission of the application. Colour photographs of the proposed premises were circulated for the benefit of Members.

PC Jon Webb outlined the reasons for the representation and responded to questions from the sub-committee.

Mr Murphy, the applicant was then given the opportunity to outline the application, respond to the points made and to answer questions from the sub-committee.

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

Prior to the sub-committee considering the application, the Solicitor to the sub-committee advised the options available to them in making a decision. The sub-committee were 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 in the presence of the parties.

The Licensing Team Manager, the Solicitor to the sub-committee, PC Jon Webb and Mr Murphy, the applicant then withdrew from the meeting.

The sub-committee then gave the application full and detailed consideration.

The Solicitor to the sub-committee was then recalled to the meeting to give advice on the wording of the decision.

The Licensing Team Manager, PC Jon Webb and Mr Murphy, the applicant 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: Dolce and Verde, 31 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 3SL  be granted subject to the conditions consistent with the operating schedule together with the following additional conditions:

1.     The licence holder shall operate a strict challenge 25 policy,

2.     The licence shall not be used except for the purposes of a coffee shop/bistro that sells premium beer or other premium alcohol.

In reaching their decision the sub-committee said that they had listened to all the representations and agreed to grant the licence as they were persuaded that the Applicant would uphold the licensing objectives and the premises would not impact on the cumulative impact zone.