Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on and application for the grant of a premises licence for Fresh Munch 43 Wade Lane, Leeds, LS2.

  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 made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for a premises licence in respect of Fresh Munch 43 Wade Lane LS2, which was situated in an area within the Cumulative Impact Area (CIP) 1

  Representations had been received from West Yorkshire Police and LCC Environmental Protection Team

  Larger scale plans of the location of the premises and the CIP were tabled, for Members’ consideration

  Present at the hearing were:

  Mr Hussain and Mr Sharif of M2 Design, Planning Consultants who were representing the applicant

  PC Arkle – West Yorkshire Police

  Mr Kenny – LCC Environment Protection Team

  The Sub-Committee heard from Mr Hussain and Mr Sharif who explained that the application was for late night refreshment and was an attempt to keep the business open in view of extended hours having been granted to other nearby premises.  As there was little passing trade during the day, it had been necessary to let staff go at the premises although it was hoped that additional late night opening would allow some of the staff to be re-employed at the premises

  It was stated that the manager of the business had experience of operating late night hours and that security issues had been taken into account with the provision of CCTV and the use of a radio link with other premises in the area

  The Sub-Committee then heard from PC Arkle of West Yorkshire Police who stated that the Police had objected to the application as it was in an area covered by the CIP and that late night refreshment houses were often a flash point for crime and disorder after people had left pubs and clubs.  Whilst some measures had been offered which went beyond those found in smaller operations, the premises were situated close to a violent crime hot spot and in an area which was likely to see greater footfall due to the opening of the Arena in 2013

  If minded to grant the licence, the Police would welcome that any door staff, and ideally there should be two, would be recruited from a reputable door staff recruitment company

  The Panel then heard from Mr Kenny of LCC Environment Protection Team who had objected on the grounds that the premises were located in the CIP and stated that longer opening hours could lead to noise and disturbance particularly for those residents of the nearby Merrion Hotel; the sheltered housing and flats on Wade Lane

  In summing up, Mr Hussain advised that the hotel bedrooms were not located immediately above the premises and that signs advising patrons to leave the premises quietly could be placed inside the shop

  The Sub-Committee having carefully considered both the written and verbal representations from the applicant, his representatives, West Yorkshire Police and LCC Environment Protection Team concluded that whilst the premises were located in the CIP it was acknowledged that this area was changing, particularly with the forthcoming Leeds Arena

  The Licensing Sub-Committee welcomed the proposed conditions as set out in the proforma submitted by the applicant.  Members agreed to deviate from the CIP and grant the licence but to restrict the opening hours, which along with the conditions was felt would address any problems in the CIP

  RESOLVED -  That the application be granted subject to the conditions proposed and the following opening hours:

  Sunday – Thursday 11pm – 2am

  Friday – Saturday 11pm – 4am

  With no non-standard timings being allowed