Agenda and minutes

  Councillor Selby was elected Chair of the meeting

To identify any applications as late items of business which have been admitted to the agenda for consideration

 (the special circumstances shall be identified in the minutes)

  No formal late items of business were added to the agenda for the meeting.  The Sub Committee was in receipt of additional information circulated after the agenda was despatched, this being information submitted by West Yorkshire Police in respect of The Savannah Club.  Copies of the objections submitted in respect of both applications were provided and large scale location plans were tabled in respect of the application for My African Shop (minutes 182 and 183 refer)

Members are reminded to declare any interests at the start of the hearing on each application for the purpose of Section 81 (3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of conduct

  There were no declarations of interest

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration setting out details of an application to vary a premises licence held at “The Savannah Club” Grove Road, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2QT

(Report attached)

  The Sub-Committee having regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Section 182 Guidance and the Authority’s own Statement of Licensing Policy considered an application to vary a premises licence held by The Savannah Club, Grove Road, formerly known as George IV Hotel, Hunslet LS10, seeking an extension to the terminal hour of all current licensable activities every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

  Present at the meeting were:

  Mr Howe – on behalf of the applicant – Clifton Properties

  Mr Njuguna – Designated Premises Supervisor

  PC Arkle – West Yorkshire Police

  Sgt Chapman – West Yorkshire Police

  PCSO Dickinson – West Yorkshire Police

  Mr Bird – Environmental Health LCC

  In response to a question from the Chair, PC Arkle explained that when the application was first submitted in October 2011, she had made a qualified objection to the proposals.  Due to an administrative error the applicants were required to resubmit or extend the application and having checked further a full objection was made

Mr Howe presented the application and stated that Mr Njuguna had worked hard to fulfil his obligations as DPS and wished to work with the police.  He had addressed issues of under-age drinking, having reinforced this issue with all of his bar staff and by using Check 21 and Check 25.  In terms of noise nuisance Mr Njuguna had taken steps to remedy this, having recently removed the music systems inside the premises so only background music was now provided

To enhance security around the premises, planning permission for a high gated fence had been sought.  Whilst objections had been made to the application, Mr Howe stated that several temporary event licences had been granted at the premises with only one incident having occurred

Mr Howe explained that despite the name of the premises, it was not a club and that for clarification it would be renamed The Savannah Inn with revised timings being sought, these being an hour earlier, i.e. 02.00 and on Friday and Saturday only

The Panel then heard from Mr Njuguna who explained that his long-term aim for the premises was for a restaurant and small bar; that he recognised his responsibilities to his neighbours and had tried to address issues of noise disturbance.  In respect of under-age drinking, he admitted that he had allowed some under 18s in his premises but this was to play snooker and not to drink.  Mr Njuguna stated that he would welcome more support and help from the authorities and that he would be willing to reduce the request for live music until 1am but wished to retain this activity for any private party bookings he received.  In response to questions from the Panel, Mr Njuguna stated that his premises had never failed a test purchase and that none of his staff had received a fixed penalty notice for under-age service

The Panel then heard from West Yorkshire Police

PC Arkle stated that the objection was based on the licensing objective of the protection of children from harm

Information  ...  view the full minutes text for item 182.

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration setting out details of an application for a premises licence for “My African Shop” Stall 252, 1875 Market Hall, Kirkgate Market, Leeds, LS2 7RQ

(Report attached)

  The Sub-Committee having regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Section 182 Guidance and the Authority’s own Statement of Licensing Policy considered an application for a premises licence for My African Shop – Stall 252 1875 Market Hall Kirkgate LS2

  Present at the hearing were:

  Mr Douglas – the applicant

  Mr Fisher – objector

  Members were informed that West Yorkshire Police had withdrawn its objection to the application

  Mr Douglas presented the application and stated that the premises had opened following the success of another family business in the market; My African Butcher which sold specialist South African meats.  My African Shop had opened in a small premises supplying a range of South African goods and following the demand from customers for South African liquor, an application for a premises licence had been submitted

  Members were informed that the liquor sales area would be small – approximately 1 sqm - and would be located behind the counter.  Cheap alcohol would not be sold and neither would South African drinks which were readily available elsewhere, so ensuring this was a highly specialised area.  Mr Douglas stated that he would work with the police and highlighted the fact that the police objection had been withdrawn

  It was hoped that online sales would be developed with Members being informed that the stock for this side of the business would be retained with the supplier, based in London

  Indicative prices for wine and spirits were provided to the Panel

  The Panel then heard from Mr Fisher who expressed his concern about an additional licensed premises in the market in view of the problems being experienced with street drinkers.  As the owner of licensed premises in the market, Mr Fisher explained the difficulties in trying to deal with this problem; that restricted stock and high prices were not sufficient deterrents and that as some people were willing to buy alcohol on behalf of those who had been refused service, the problem was a difficult one to manage

  The Sub-Committee having carefully considered both the written and verbal representations from the applicant and the objector acknowledged that the Cumulative Impact Policy did not apply in this case as the primary use of the premises was not as an off-licence and it was restricted by the opening hours of the market

  Whilst noting the concerns raised by the objector, Members also noted that West Yorkshire Police had withdrawn its objection and were of the view that the application could be granted subject to conditions proposed by the applicant being considered necessary and proportionate in line with the licensing objectives

  RESOLVED -  That the application be granted with the conditions proposed and those agreed being incorporated into the operating schedule