Agenda item

To consider the report of the head of Licensing and Registration on an application received for the grant of a premises licence in respect of the East African Centre, Cherry Row, Burmantofts

(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 premises licence at East African Centre, 11A Cherry Row, Burmantofts, Leeds, LS9 7LY.

The application was for the provision of Recorded Music, Facilities for Making Music, Facilities for Dancing, Sale by Retail of Alcohol and Late Night Refreshment.

It was reported that this was a first application for these premises and had there had been enforcement issues regarding unauthorised licensing activities.  Representations had been received from West Yorkshire Police, Planning, Environmental Health and local residents and a local Ward Councillor.

The hours applied for were as follows:

Recorded Music, Facilities for Making Music, Facilities for Dancing and Sale by Retail of Alcohol:

Sunday to Thursday 10:00 – 23:30

Friday  10:00 – 03:00

Saturday  10:00 – 04:00

Late Night Refreshment:

Sunday to Thursday 23:00 – 23:30

Friday  23:00 – 03:00

Saturday  23:00 – 04:00

The applicants representative addressed the Panel and reported that it was wished to reduce the hours to 01:00 on a Friday and Saturday with the premises to close at 1:30.  The applicant and his representative also raised the following issues:

• The centre served approximately 75 to 100 customers.
• It was the only place in Leeds that catered specifically for the Somalian/Eritrean community.
• The centre currently opened until 23:30 and had done so for the past 18 months.
• The applicant had met with West Yorkshire Police and CCTV requirements had been met.
• There had been a visit from Environmental Protection.  It was felt that previous issues regarding noise nuisance had been resolved.  The premises benefited from double door entrances which were self closing to prevent noise pollution.
• The premises were in a mixed business/residential area.

In response to comments and questions from Members, issues discussed included previous uses of the premises and complaints regarding noise.  It was also announced that the applicant wished to withdraw the application for the provision of Late Night Refreshment.

A representative of the planning depart,emt addressed the meeting.  Issues highlighted included concerns regarding noise disturbance and the close proximity to residential properties, unauthorised licensing activities that had taken place and the need to change the class of the premises to allow the sale of alcohol.  During the representations from planning it was highlighted that it was unclear what the true address of the premises was and it was suggested that a land registry search be carried out to clarify the address.

RESOLVED – That the hearing be adjourned until clarification was sough from the Land Registry on the address of the premises.