Agenda and minutes

Chairman’s Webcasting Introduction:

1.          This virtual meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to unmute before speaking.

2.         The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the internet (or filmed) and will be capable of repeated viewing (or another use by such third parties).

Please also be aware that if technical difficulties interrupt the meeting that cannot be overcome, I may need to adjourn the meeting.”

The Chairman made a short address to remind everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the internet, and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made pursuant to the Members Code of Conduct.

Please find attached the revised procedures for holding and attending a virtual meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the conduct of business and the terms of reference.

To consider the attached report.

The three Councillors that presided over this item were Councillors R Morgan, A Lion and S Neville.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers present and outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the premises application. The Chairman welcomed the participants and requested that they introduce themselves to the Sub-Committee. In attendance on behalf of the applicant was Ryan Dowding (Barrister), A Naqui (Solicitor) and A Smith (Applicant). Mr B Brett was there as an objector.

(a)          The Application before the Sub-Committee

The Licensing Compliance Officer, D Houghton, explained that this hearing was to hear an application by Smudge Ltd, 2^nd Floor, Gadd House, Arcadia Avenue, London, Barnet, N3 2JU, for a new premises licence at 26 Revival Court, High Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AE.

The application was for the following licensing activities,

• The Sale by Retail of Alcohol on the Premises only                                     

Monday to Sunday 12.00 – 23.30pm

• The Provision of Recorded Music  

Monday to Sunday 12.00 – 23.30pm

• The Provision of Late Night Refreshment

Monday to Sunday 23.00 – 23.30pm

• Opening Times of the premises

Monday to Sunday 12.00 – 23.30pm           

The Responsible Authorities had all received a copy of the application, it was also advertised at the premises and in a local newspaper.

All residences and businesses within 150 meters radius of the premises were individually consulted.

The authority had received 1 representation from a resident, a Mr Brett. The Objection related to the Prevention of Crime and disorder, Prevention of Public Nuisance, and Public Safety and The Protection of Children from Harm.

There was a response from Essex Police who had agreed recommendations with the applicant.  There was also a response from the Safeguarding Team at Essex County Council which the applicant had addressed. Finally, a response from Essex Fire and Rescue who had advised the means of escape from the premises were adequate.

The Legal officer noted that Mr Brett’s reference to the lease was not relevant to a Licensing Sub-Committee nor was Mr Naqui’s reference of planning matters. And that all conditions must relate to the representations made and be enforceable and clear.

(b)          Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

The Barrister for the applicant, Mr Dowding, started by confirming that they were asking for a half hour wind down period from 11 to 11.30pm. The application was for the ground floor of 26 Revival Court, High Road, Epping to be converted into a restaurant. The applicant Mr A Smith had 30 years of experience in the running of restaurants and held an impeccable record. This was to be a high-end fish restaurant; alcohol would only to be served for patrons waiting to be seated and those already seated.

The planning conditions mentioned was only for information.

He noted that it was no longer a mandatory requirement to send out letters consulting nearby residents, but Epping Forest District Council continued to do this voluntarily. Over 200 letters were sent out and initially only 2 objections were received, one was subsequently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.