Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – Councillor G Wilkinson was elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents

1)  To highlight reports or appendices which:

a)  officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

b)  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

c)  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information

2)  To note that under the Licensing Procedure rules, the press and the public will be excluded from that part of the hearing where Members will deliberate on each application as it is in the public interest to allow the Members to have a full and frank debate on the matter before them.

There were no exempt information.

Supplementary information for Agenda Item 6 – Application to grant a Premises Licence for 6-7 Duncan Street, Leeds.

Late item received for Agenda Item 7 – Application to determine a license for film certification at Hyde Park Picture House.

Both late and supplementary documents were published and distributed prior to the hearing.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

To receive and consder the attached report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory

The report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory presented an application for the certification of films to be shown at the Hyde Park Picture House, Brudenell Road, Leeds, LS6 1JD.

The Licensing Officer presented the report and informed the Sub-Committee that the application had been received as the films had not been classified by the BBFC. The report outlined a brief synopsis of the films to be shown and the various classifications for each. The applicant had suggested a PG certification for all the films outlined in the report.

Laura Ager, representing the Hyde Park Picture House, addressed the Sub-Committee. Members were informed that the nature of the films would usually require a U rating, however the applicant felt a PG rating was safer, giving the option to parents to decide whether the content of the films is appropriate.

Members requested further information regarding the synopsis of ‘They Call Us Maids’ as it states there is disturbing truths within the content. Members were informed that the content related, was aimed at the minimal violence relating to the women being domestic workers in the UK. The women have their passports taken from them ultimately resulting in not being able to see their family. It was explained that due to the film using vivid watercolour animation, it was still deemed appropriate to categorise this film PG.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the application, the report and the representations made at the hearing.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory for an application for a grant of a Premises Licence at Hotel, Unit 2, 7 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DQ

The report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory set out an application for the grant of a premises license, made by Palagander Limited for Hotel 2, 7 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DQ.

Members were advised that the applicant was Palagander Ltd, who were applying for:

-  Recorded Music and Supply of Alcohol

Everyday 10:00 until 02:00

-  Late Night Refreshment

Everyday 23:00 until 02:00

-  Nonstandard timings for Bank Holidays or Special Occasions are proposed

Members were advised that the application had attracted representations from West Yorkshire Police and Entertainment Licensing in their capacity as responsible authorities. Both were objecting to the application in its entirety due to its location within the Cumulative Impact Area and the potential of this premises adding to the already existing issues.

Mr P Whur addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant.

Mr Whur explained he feels his part of the process has been open and transparent throughout, following meetings with West Yorkshire Police and Entertainment Licensing. Mr Whur expressed he feels it is difficult to prove exceptional circumstances for applicants within the cumulative impact area, however he has brought successful cases in-front of the Sub-Committee in the past. It was also expressed that his applicants have existing companies which operate within the red and amber cumulative areas of Leeds.

Mr Whur said this would be different to other premises license holders and would bring a positive benefit. Mr Whur described the premises as a preeminent building which has fallen into disrepair, seeking to achieve bringing this building back to life. Mr Whur expressed he felt this development would regenerate Duncan Street and that this particular area of Leeds is underdeveloped. It was noted the intentions for a development of a six suite hotel and the plans contained within the pack are modest.

Members were informed that within the bar/restaurant area, there would be 28 seats and no space to stand. It was also mentioned that should the license be granted, the bar/restaurant area would only be open to residents and their guests after midnight.

Mr Whur’s exception to the Red Zone is that the premises will be of small scale and refers to the type of food and drink the premises is looking to sell, with the impression only a small number will enter the bar.

Mr Whur responded to the Police statement within the pack suggesting that ‘alcohol should only be allowed within the suite rooms’, to be off-putting to customers wanting to stay at the hotel. Mr Whur made it clear he was understanding of the suggestions, only should it have been viable.

Members were made aware of the applicant’s experienced operating history and the rarity of an application such as this coming before them with Mr Whur.

PC Arkle was in attendance for the meeting and made reference to the current statutory guidance issued by the secretary of state under section 182 Licensing Act 2003, relating to the Council’s policy in regards to the premises being located in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.