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 KFC, City Station, New Station Street, Leeds LS1

(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 in respect of KFC, City Station, New Station Street, Leeds LS1.

Representations had been received from the LCC Health and Safety Team, however agreement had been reached with the applicant and these representations had been withdrawn prior to the hearing. A representation had also been received from West Yorkshire Police.

Present at the hearing were:

Mr P Connell- Unit Manager

Ms N Smith- Solicitor for the Applicant

Mr J Heathcote- Operations Manager

Mr K Dungey- Regional Operations Manager

PC Arkle- West Yorkshire Police

Sgt M Jackson- British Transport Police

The Sub-Committee heard from Ms Smith who informed then that the application was for Late Night Refreshment only (no alcohol) until 02.00 .am. The KFC premises is currently a convenience store which is licensed to sell alcohol, this licence would be surrendered once the premises was running as a KFC if this application was granted. The Sub-Committee was informed that the applicant has extensive experience running business in stations across the country, including in Leeds where they run a number of other businesses in Leeds Station, and have done for many years. The proposed KFC would have a dedicated seating area of 32 seats outside the premises for customers to eat at. There would be CCTV. The applicant stated that he was used to dealing with queuing systems and other issues that were relevant to a business at the station, and that the KFC would cater both to travellers and station staff. He stated that they had a good working relationship with the British Transport Police.

PC Arkley made representation on behalf of West Yorkshire Police against the grant of the Licence. Sgt Jackson outlined the concerns of the British Transport Police regarding the application, which were around customers congregating around the premises late at night rather than dispersing, and that people could be attracted from outside the station, such as from the taxi rank, to congregate around the premises. The applicants reiterated their experience in managing similar premises at Leeds City Station and clarified that the premises needed to have seats for customers to eat at.

The Sub- Committee carefully considered all the written and verbal submissions. Members felt that granting the application with conditions would uphold the licensing objectives.

RESOLVED- To grant the license as per the application as agreed with the responsible authorities and with the inclusion of a condition requiring that the external seating be  removed from 12.00 midnight until close every night.