Agenda item

To consider the application of the Head of Elections, Licensing, and Registration on an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Assembly Bar Group Limited, for Cafe/Bar, 1 Terminus Parade, Station Road, Cross Gates, Leeds, LS15 7JZ.

(Report attached)

The report of the Head Elections, Licensing and Registration advised Members of an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Assembly Bar Group Limited, for Café/ Bar, 1 Terminus Parade, Station Road, Crossgates, Leeds, LS15 7JZ.

Members heard that that representations had been received from Health and Safety, West Yorkshire Police and Planning in their capacity as responsible authorities. Members noted that negotiations had taken place with the applicant and Health and Safety and West Yorkshire Police prior to the hearing and agreements had been reached. Copies of objections and agreements in relation to Health and Safety and West Yorkshire Police were attached at Appendix C of the submitted report.

Members were advised that an objection raised by planning had now been withdrawn as the applicant had agreed not to operate without the requisite planning permissions in place.

The Licensing Authority was in receipt of a letter of objection which opposed this application on the grounds of public nuisance. A redacted copy was attached at Appendix D of the submitted report. Mr Judge of the Residents’ Association was in attendance at the hearing.

Member’s attention was drawn to paragraph 3.3 of the submitted report which set out the proposed opening times and activities.

Mr Matthew Cliffe, the applicant, attended the hearing. He informed the Members that he had been working in the entertainment and events industry for 20 years and it was his dream to open a café / bar selling fine quality food and wine in an area that he loved.

Mr Cliffe went on to explain that it was his intention to have a cosy, intimate venue that would support local business such as local butchers shops. He said that he had applied for a licence to 23.30 on Friday and Saturday so that he was able to compete with other licensed premises in the local area.

Mr Cliffe was of the view that the conditions set by the Environmental Protection Team were important and that he took his responsibilities in adhering to them very seriously.

He informed the Members that he would be available at the premises at all times it was open, he would ensure that residents close by were provided with his mobile number should they need to call him on any issues. 

Mr Cliffe informed the Licensing Sub-Committee that he had a long standing relationship with a local taxi firm and would be requesting that they did not use horns, bang car doors or sit idling for long periods. It was his intention that people leaving the premises would be requested to do so in small groups.

Mr Cliffe explained he planned to have between 15 and 20 covers with a vertical drinking area for a maximum of 10 people. His plan was to provide food pairing evenings such as cheese and wine events or ploughman’s lunches using a supply of foods from local shops.

Mr Cliffe informed the Sub-Committee that he did not want a loud venue but a social hub playing background music.

Mr Judge addressed the Sub-Committee saying that Mr Judge had emailed him setting out his intentions for the premises. He said that Mr Cliffe seemed like an organised applicant.

Mr Judge raised his concerns in relation to the closing time of 11.30pm given that the premises were able to allow for drinking up time which would mean that customers would be leaving the premises at midnight. Mr Judge went on to say that Mr Cliffe was unable to control the level of noise of his customers once they leave the premises. He said that there would be an impact of the opening times on the residents living nearby.

Mr Cliffe in response to Mr Judge’s concerns reiterated that noise disruption would be kept to a minimum as he wished the premises to be a low key venue.

RESOLVED -  To grant the application as applied for.