Issue - meetings

Application for a new premises licence - Baffi Pizza, 267- 271 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2LA, attached.

The Sub-Committee considered the application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of Baffi Pizza, 267-271 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2LA.

Mr T Ellis (Applicant), Mr N Ellis (Applicants Agent) and Dr R Buckle (Local Resident) and Mrs J Jameson (Local Resident) 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 that the application for a premises licence be granted.

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 a premises licence for Baffi Pizza, 267-271 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2LA.

It has given due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Licensing Objectives, statutory guidance and the adopted statement of Licensing Policy. 

The Sub-Committee considered the representations, both written and given orally today, by all parties. Human rights legislation has been borne in mind whilst making the decision. 

It was noted that representations had been received from a number of residents.  The applicant had agreed conditions with the police prior to the hearing as set out within the report (and relating to CCTV, staff training, proof of age, refusals and age policy).

Having considered all the above evidence and after having heard from those present, the Sub-Committee has determined to grant the Premises Licence.

Reasons

The Sub-Committee heard evidence from residents raising concern including (but not limited to) the following points:

·  That a further premises licence would lead to concentration of premises

·  That there is a danger of creating a “drinking corridor”

·  That the parking of goods vehicles would cause nuisance

·  That the hours sought are excessive

·  That the impact would be unacceptable for an adjoining elderly home.

The Sub-Committee considered all of these points particularly carefully but accepted legal advice given during the hearing that the Sub-Committee is restricted to considering only those issues that relate to one or more of the licensing objectives.  As a result the Sub-Committee could not consider matters relating to planning issues, parking, the commercial demand for licensed premises etc.

The Sub-Committee heard that detailed conditions had been agreed with the Police and that as a result the Police had indicated that a hearing was not necessary.  In addition the Sub-Committee heard that the applicants are experienced operators in the catering field, fully aware of the licensing objectives.  The proposed premises is a restaurant rather than a bar with service at seated tables.  There is to be limited offer of alcohol and there shall be no drinks promotions, only promotions in relation to food.  Staff are to be trained and the business provides a staff handbook.  A general clientele is expected and the record of other venues shows that no calls have been made in relation to disorder and that there has been no complaint for breaches of licences in force.  The applicant also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7