Agenda item

The Chairman introduced himself and his fellow Sub-Committee Members and officers then explained their roles.  As well as acknowledging the documents he explained the procedure to be followed during this meeting of the Sub-Committee.

The Licensing Officer introduced his previously circulated report. An application had been received from Mark Streeter for a Premises Licence to be granted for Coffee Couture, Wimbleball Lake.

The application was initially submitted to allow for the supply of alcohol – both for consumption on the premises and also for consumption off of the premises – between the hours of 11:00 and 23:30 Monday to Sunday.

Upon receipt of the application, the Licensing Department had duly notified Environmental Health and Avon and Somerset Constabulary.  Following the notification, objection notices had been received from Interested Parties.

Mediation between the Applicant and the Interested Parties was held on the 30 June 2020.  In discussions that followed, the Applicant was prepared to agree amendments to proposed timings and activities, which included the removal of off-sales from the application (thereby leaving only on-sales) and the reduction of the licensable times to 11am – 4pm daily.  Furthermore, they were prepared to introduce an extra condition that restricted the sale of alcohol to purchases of food made for consumption on the premises.  However, as both parties were not able to reach an agreed position, officers proceeded with the hearing.

Detailed in the Officer’s report were the four licensing objectives.  The Sub-Committee was reminded that the Licensing Policy required the Licensing Authority to carry out its various functions to promote these objectives.  These were:-

• The prevention of crime and disorder;
• Public safety;
• The prevention of public nuisance; and
• The protection of children from harm.

The objectives would be paramount considerations when determining a course of action in relation to the Licensing Authority’s licensing functions.  Each objective would be given equal importance.

The following comments and points were presented by the Interested Parties in relation to their written objections:-

• The Interested Party appreciated the amendments made by the Applicant, however, they still did not see the need for the sale of alcohol at the premises and believed that it would lead to anti-social behaviour.
• The Interested Party highlighted that the premises was located in a quiet rural area which was accessed via narrow roads and people visited the area due to the beautiful lake and surroundings, it was enjoyed by many but had already experienced problems over the years especially more recently due to lockdown restrictions.  The area had attracted groups of young people who had caused damage and littered in the area, they had also contributed to anti-social behaviour.  South West Lakes and the Police had found it difficult to control due to the location.  The Interested Party had used the café and believed it was a good business and were happy to see some of the amendments made to when alcohol would be sold, but requested further information and were still confused as to why the licence had been applied for.
• The Interested Party reiterated all the comments that had already been made and was confused and concerned on how the rules would be policed to ensure that alcohol was not taken off the premises.
• The Interested Party emphasised that the access and area around the premises meant that a larger amount of people would be affected.  It also appeared that there was no support for the application and that there were other public houses in the area that people could visit if they wanted to purchase alcohol.
• The Interested Party reiterated the concern on the public safety issue, especially the consumption of alcohol near the lake.  Further concern was raised on anti-social behaviour and that it was difficult to police.

The following comments and points were presented by the Applicant in relation to their written application:-

• The Applicant advised that they already had a large drinks menu and thought it would be good to include some local cider and wine to encourage and support other local businesses and to give more choice to their customers.
• The café was small and the Applicant did not believe the sale of alcohol would lead to anti-social behaviour. 
• The Applicant advised that the café and surrounding area was currently visited by families who would sit outside with a picnic and consume alcohol.
• The Applicant did not believe it would be difficult to monitor the sale of alcohol.
• The Applicant gave assurance on how they would monitor the sales of alcohol, which included the use of CCTV.

The following questions were raised by the Sub-Committee of the Applicant (Responses are shown in italics):-

• Councillors queried whether the meals sold at the café were snacks or main meals.

The Applicant advised that the meals were snacks but if they were granted the licence, they would look to introduce main meals to the menu.

• Councillors queried how many tables there were in the café.

There were 4 big tables and 2 smaller tables due to lockdown rules.

• Councillors queried how many staff were on shift at any one time.

The Applicant advised there were 2 members of staff due to lockdown and social distancing rules.