Issue - meetings

Application for Variation of a Premises Licence in respect of Beers and Bottles, 5 The Broadway, Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2WE, attached.

The Sub-Committee considered the application for the variation of premises licence in respect of Beers and Bottles, 5 The Broadway, Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2WE.

Mr D Singh and Mr B Singh (Applicants), Mr G Hopkins (GT Licensing Consultants representing Applicants), Councillor Claisse (Ward Councillor), Dr R Buckle, Mrs J Jameson, Mr A Ford and Mr M Daramy were present and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered the decision in confidential session in accordance with the Licensing Act (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

RESOLVED

After private deliberation the Sub-Committee reconvened and the Chair read out the following decision:-

All parties will receive formal written confirmation of the decision and reasons.

The Sub-Committee has considered very carefully the application for variation of a premises licence at ‘Beers and Bottles’, 5 The Broadway, Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2WE.  It has given due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Licensing Objectives, statutory guidance and the adopted statement of Licensing Policy. Human Rights legislation was borne in mind whilst making the decision.

The Sub-Committee noted that the licence contains conditions relating to:

·  CCTV

·  Challenge 25

·  Incident and refusals log

·  Training

·  Signage

·  All alcohol marked to identify place of purchase to police and trading standards for a minimum of 3 months

It was also noted that the application was amended to an opening hour of 8.00 am and a terminal hour of midnight on Sundays.

The Sub-Committee considered all representations made both in writing and orally at the hearing. The Sub-Committee particularly noted evidence from residents of the problems with anti-social behaviour in the Portswood district centre and this is borne out by the existence of a PSPO.

The Sub-Committee also considered the fact that the applicants are licence holders of long standing and are also local residents. It was further noted that no responsible authority had raised an objection.

In consideration of all of the above the Sub-Committee has determined to grant the application in part. The hours granted are from 8.00 am to midnight every day. In addition the Sub-Committee imposes all of the conditions offered by the applicant at the hearing.

Reasons

The Sub-Committee heard that Portswood district centre is a well-used route to and from other licensed premises and to that end considered in particular the part of the statement of licensing policy dealing with off-licenses. Paragraph 5.17 is particularly relevant as it makes it clear that the authority can consider earlier terminal hours for off licences.

The Sub-Committee has decided that any further increase in hours would increase anti-social behaviour which would impinge on the licensing objectives relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.

There is a right of appeal for all parties to the Magistrates’ Court.  Formal notification of the decision will set out that right in full.