Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on an application received for the grant of a premises licence for Wharf Chambers Co-operative Club situated on the ground floor of 23-25 Wharf Street, Leeds LS2

(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 the grant of a club premises licence for Wharf Chambers Co-operative Club situated on the ground floor of 23-25 Wharf Street, Leeds LS2.

Representations had been received from LCC Environmental Protection Team which included measures proposed by them to address the licensing objectives. These measures had been agreed by the applicant and the representations had subsequently been withdrawn. A representation had also been received from West Yorkshire Police.

Present at the hearing were:

Andy Abbott – the applicant

Andrew Raine and Lotte Shaw- supporters of the applicant

Chris Barton and Sarah Capes – objectors

Bob Pattison and PC Cath Arkle – West Yorkshire Police

The Sub-Committee heard from Mr Abbott who outlined his vision for Wharf Chambers as a not for profit cultural venue and informed the Sub-Committee of the work that had already been done to restore and refurbish the premises. He stated that several events had already been run at the premises under Temporary Event Notices and reiterated that the premises would be a private Members’ club.

PC C Arkle made representation on behalf of WYP against the grant of the Licence without further conditions. The police felt that the installation of CCTV throughout the premises was a necessity for customer safety.

The Sub-Committee heard representations from Mr Chris Barton who outlined his concerns around the application, in particular the ability of the Wharf Chambers volunteers to keep the communal yard area clean and rubbish free, concerns relating to door staff used by Wharf Chambers and safety concerns around the communal yard and the effect on other users of the yard if Wharf Chambers was allowed to have events running until late at night. Mr Barton also stated that Wharf Chambers did not have planning permission to be used as a club.

The Sub Committee carefully considered all the written and verbal submissions. Members were of the view that granting the application with conditions would uphold the licensing objectives.

RESOLVED- that the application be granted in the following terms:

-  That the hours be from 12 noon to 23:00 hours for all licensable activities.

-  CCTV conditions as proposed by West Yorkshire Police must be installed and in operation prior to the opening of the premises.

-  Two SIA registered door staff must be on the doors from 8 pm until close of business on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

-  External areas shall not be used for any licensable activities whatsoever at any time.

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The applicant was reminded that the premises could not operate prior to the issue with planning permission being resolved.