Agenda and minutes

To seek nominations for the election for the position of Chair.

RESOLVED – That Councillor A Hutchison be 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 and Scrutiny Support at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals.

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 items.

There were no late items.

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 consider the report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory) that advises Members of an application made under section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 ("the Act") to vary a premises licence in respect of the above mentioned premises.

The Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory) submitted a report seeking Members consideration of an application made under section 34 of the

Licensing Act 2003 ("the Act") to vary a premises licence in respect of My Bar Leeds Ltd, 67 - 69 St Pauls Street, Leeds, LS1 2TE.

In summary, the application requested to extend the timings for the currently permitted licensable activities, sale by retail of alcohol and recorded music.

A representation had been received from West Yorkshire Police in their capacity as a responsible authority, and subsequently the operating schedule had been amended to include the measures agreed with West Yorkshire Police. The application had received one letter of objection from a members of the public who wished to remain anonymous. There were no objectors present at the meeting.

Mr Simon Fearon attended the meeting on behalf of the applicant.

Mr Fearon addressed the Sub-Committee, advising Members that the location of the premises is mostly commercial, rather than residential, as suggested by the objector. Mr Fearon noted that a number of licensed premises are located within close proximity, including bars and restaurants. Following the initial opening of the premises prior to closure as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the applicant had come to realise that the clientele, mostly working professionals in the surrounding financial and legal district of the city centre, required a later closing time than the current operating schedule allows. After speaking to local residents and customers, the applicant concluded that 11:30 p.m. would be a more appropriate closing time for the premises, with alcohol sales ending at 11.00 p.m.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Fearon described the premises usual operating routine, with a focus on serving food, including a number of food promotions throughout the week between 12.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m., as well as a small bar area with background music.

Members highlighted disparity between sections of the application and sought clarity on the hours for licensable activities applied for. Mr Fearon confirmed that the application was for sale by retail of alcohol and recorded music everyday between 11.30 a.m. and 11.00 p.m.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory), the Statement of Licensing Policy and the representations submitted and made at the hearing on behalf of the applicant.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for.