Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on an application for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of “Beat Bar”, 66 Merrion 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 premises licence for Beat Bar, 66 Merrion Street, Leeds, LS2 8LW.

Representations had been received from LCC Environmental Protection Team and West Yorkshire Police. Present at the hearing were:

Mr Ravinder Rathore and Mr Gurmail Rathore – the applicants

Mr Paddy Whur – solicitor for the applicant

Mr David Woolman and Mr Max Clynes – the premises landlord representatives

PC Cath Arkle – West Yorkshire Police

Mr Brian Kenny - LCC Environmental Protection Team

The Sub Committee heard from Mr Whur who was representing the applicant he requested that in light of the detailed nature of the application whether the time allowed to present could be extended to twenty minutes. Members agreed that this should be permitted but that all other representations would have an equal amount of time.

Mr Whur highlighted paragraphs from Leeds’ local policy which expressed desire for culturally diverse activities, venues of a differing nature; and Leeds going up a level. He argued that this venue would achieve those objectives owing to it being individual, offering the public something different and it not being an alcohol led venue. It was put to the Committee that this venue would enhance the reputation of Leeds as a destination to listen to high quality acts.

The Sub Committee was further informed that the landlords of the proposed premises were spending £1.5 million re-developing the Merrion Centre in which the “Beat Bar” would be situated and that they supported this venture and would not do so if it was not going to complement the development of the Merrion Centre. It was highlighted to Members that the style of this venue would have less of an impact than the previous licensed premises which had been a normal nightclub.

The security of the venue was also raised it was proposed that the CCTV system in the venue would be linked to the overall Merrion Centre system giving greater protection to the venue and the surrounding area. Also door supervisors which West Yorkshire Police were satisfied would be used. It was also highlighted to the Sub Committee that a new manager would be recruited and that consultation with the police would be undertaken on the final choice. Further to this the Sub Committee were informed that a dispersal policy had been developed and that at all times it was the intention of the applicants to work with West Yorkshire Police.

The Sub-Committee was also informed that there would be 30 new jobs created

The Sub-Committee heard from PC Arkle who outlined her concerns with regard to the application. She informed the Sub Committee that that the premises were located in a violent crime hotspot within the Cumulative Impact area. PC Arkle also sought assurance that, if this licence was to be granted, and West Yorkshire Police were to object to an act taking place, that they would be able to prevent it from taking place.

Mr Kenny, LCC Environmental Protection addressed the Sub Committee objecting on the grounds that the premises were within the Cumulative Impact area. He further highlighted the problems with public nuisance in the area, and outlined his concerns that an additional premise serving alcohol and the subsequent increased people would increase existing problems.

Members and the Legal Advisor to the Sub Committee then queried aspects of the proposal specifically:

• the capacity of the venue; and the proposed ticketing policy when all tickets have not been sold;
• the quality of acts proposed to perform at the venue and that this might lead to potential over subscription and subsequent disorder;
• the proposed operating hours of the venue.

In summing up the applicant re-iterated the positive impact this venue could have on the City of Leeds.

The Sub Committee then carefully considered all the written and verbal submissions and made the following decision:

RESOLVED – To grant the application subject to the conditions detailed below:

• The premises will not operate unless there is a pre-arranged performance of a live act this to include DJs;
• The premises will operate to a maximum of 7 hours between 12 noon and 04:00 hours and will be a continuous 7 hour period;
• Admission will be by ticket only;
• There to be a maximum of 2 SIA registered door staff to be on duty at all times the premises is open and 30 minutes after closing, with a minimum ratio of 1 SIA registered door staff to 75 persons;
• That there be a minimum of 3 persons outside the premises to operate the dispersal policy with at least 1 person to be SIA registered to remain outside until 30 minutes after closure of the premises;
• That full details of all events to be sent to West Yorkshire Police giving a minimum of 7 days notice of all events, with the event not to go ahead if objections are maintained by West Yorkshire Police; and
• The manager on duty at all times must hold a personal licence