Agenda and minutes

Councillor Byrne 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 of the agenda.

Councillor Shelton declared that he knew David Hartshorn, who had made a representation, but it would not influence his decision and he sat on the hearing panel with an open mind.

The Director of Environmental Services submits a report on an application for a new premises licence, Unit 22, 33 Cank Street, Leicester LE1 5BG.

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 phoning Democratic Support on 454 6358.

Please note that the supporting information to the report contains exempt information and is attached for Members only. These papers are marked “NOT FOR PUBLICATION”. The information in these papers will be exempt as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended and it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. The information therefore must not be disclosed or discussed at the meeting. Should Members wish to refer to any of these details it is recommended that the meeting move to exclude the Press and Public during its consideration.

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a report on an application for a new premises licence for Unit 22, 33 Cank Street, Leicester LE1 5BG.

Members noted that representations had been received from the Leicestershire Police and a local resident in respect of the application, which necessitated that the application had to be considered by Members.

The Chair asked everyone present to introduce themselves.

The applicant Mr Ruparell accompanied by Mr Husain (supporter) was present; also present were the Licensing Team Manager, the Solicitor to the hearing panel, PC Mavani of the Leicestershire Police and Mr Hartshorn (representee).

Members were informed that additional information in the form of documentary evidence from the applicant had been circulated to Members prior to the hearing which would form part of Mr Ruparell’s submission.

The Licensing Team Manager presented the report. It was noted that a representation from the Leicestershire Police had been made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. It was also noted that a representation from a local resident Mr Hartshorn had been made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

The Licensing Team Manager circulated colour photographs of the location and exterior of the premises to all present.

PC Mavani outlined the reasons for the Police representation and answered questions from those present:

·         The premises were situated between two very busy areas of the night time economy and attracted a lot of footfall between the two.

·         The area was fairly isolated which might leave the premises vulnerable.

·         Leicestershire Police had discussed and agreed with the applicant that there should be tighter wording of the conditions in the operating schedule and some additional conditions: closing time reduced to 23.00hrs on Sundays, SIA registered security to be employed, CCTV to be installed following advice from the Police with recording and maintenance in accordance with the code of practice and to be retained for a minimum 28 days, applicant to become a member of the local City Watch Scheme.

·         Timings for “door presence” were not usually included in conditions as that would form part of the licence and could cause problems. It was felt more appropriate to allow flexibility to have security at the busiest periods with risk assessment than to wrongly identify timings in the conditions.

·         The applicant had indicated he would undertake SIA door training and the Police were encouraged by this as it would help the applicant to know what to expect and improve ability to risk assess situations.

Mr Hartshorn outlined the reasons for his representation:

·         The location of the venue and the unit were sited at the arched gateway to St Martin’s precinct and groups of people would congregate in this area and footfall would increase.

·         Smokers would utilise space outside the premises.

·         Access arrangements were a concern, especially if one door closed off.

·         If outside seating implemented this would restrict the flow of pedestrians.

·         Any risk assessment could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The meeting closed at 10.30am