Agenda item

Application for the grant of a premises licence for Ghetto Golf Falcon House, Walter Street, Burley, Leeds, LS4 2BB

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory) that advises Members of an application for a new premises licence in respect of the above mentioned premises.

 

(Report attached)

Minutes:

The report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory presented an application for the grant of a Premises Licence for Ghetto Golf, Falcon House, Walter Street, Burley, Leeds.

 

Prior to the hearing, a short video presentation was made which showed the style of operation at other Ghetto Golf venues.  Further documentation was submitted by objectors which confirmed certification of the neighbouring premises as a place of worship.

 

The application was for the following:

 

·  Exhibition of films, performance of recorded music, performance of live music, performance of dance, entertainment of a similar description and sale by retail of alcohol:

 

Everyday 10:00 to 01:00

 

·  Late Night Refreshment

 

Everyday 23:00 to 01:00

 

·  Non standard timings

Performance of recorded music & dance, entertainment of a similar description & sale by retail of alcohol:

 

From 10:00 on New Years Eve to 01:00 on 1st January

 

·  Late Night Refreshment

 

From 23:00 on New Years Eve to 06:00 on 1st January

 

There had not been any representations from the responsible authorities and there had been 35 independent letters of objection primarily from members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

 

The following were in attendance:

 

-  Mr C Morgan, Ghetto Golf

-  Mr A Green, Ghetto Golf

-  Mr R Taylor, Ghetto Golf

-  Mr S Obafaiye, Objector

-  Mr J Odaudo, Objector

-  Ms C Ohia, Objector

-  Ms C Ndlovu, Objector

-  Mr Y Olufade, Objector

-  Ms C Dzraki, Objector

-   

The applicant’s representative addressed the sub-committee.  The following was highlighted:

 

·  Alcohol sales would be for on the premises only.

·  The premises would be used as an indoor 18 hole adventure golf course.  The concept combined golf, music and food.  The interior would be focused on street art and local street artists would be invited to contribute.

·  The company had similar operations in Newcastle, Liverpool and Birmingham.

·  The set designs were based on film and TV.

·  The applicant had met with West Yorkshire Police and the Licensing Authority to discuss the style of operation and any conditions that would be expected for the licence.

·  There were conditions for CCTV at the premises and Challenge 25 would be in operation.  The venue would be adults only.

·  All drinks would be served in polycarbonate/plastic glasses.

·  Following a risk assessment it was anticipated that door supervisors would be present on a Friday and Saturday night.

·  The customer profile would cover a wide range and the other venues catered for parties, companies, corporate and charity events.

·  The set out of the premises was aimed at over 18s with a tongue in cheek style adult humour.

·  The operators were good neighbours and had not encountered problems at any of their other premises.  This was reflected by the lack of representation from the responsible authorities.

·  The premises were situated in a light industrial area and there were no nearby residential properties.  The objections submitted had been co-ordinated and without evidence.  The supplementary information submitted by objectors was a journalist’s take.  There had been mistakes made in the past when the company was in its early stages but following that a Chief Executive was brought in to bring a corporate structure.

·  There would be significant investment in the Leeds premises and 60 jobs would be created.  Should the licence be granted it was hoped to be open by October 2020.

 

Objectors to the application addressed the sub-committee.  The following was highlighted:

 

·  The Council had given permission to the Redeemed Christian Church of God to use the premises.  The objections were due to the entrances being beside each other.

·  Over 80 children under the age of 16 attended the church and it was not wanted for them to see what happened at the premises.

·  There would not have been an objection if the application was for elsewhere.

·  The applicant had discussed the application with the responsible authorities but not with objectors.

·  Regard should be given to the fact that the neighbouring premises were a recognised place of worship.

·  The application should not be granted near to a church or a school.

·  There would be potential harm to children and vulnerable adults.

·  There was potential for a rise in crime and there were concerns about drunk behaviour.

·  Concern that sexual paraphernalia would be on display.

·  There were several vacant properties elsewhere in Leeds that could be used.

·  The church wanted to operate a nursery and day centre.  Those plans would not be achieved if this application was granted.

·  A business like this should not be situated near where children would be.

 

In response to objections and in summary to the application, the applicants representative highlighted the following:

 

·  There would not be anything other than basic signage on display outside the building and it would not be possible to look in through the windows.

·  The decision on whether the application should be granted should be based on evidence and not what might happen.

·  Ghetto Golf was an established company and operated elsewhere without any difficulties.

·  There was a long list of conditions within the application to satisfy the requirements of the responsible authorities.

·  There was no evidence to support the concerns of what was detailed in the objections.

 

In response to questions from the sub-committee, the following was discussed:

 

·  Customers could book into Ghetto Gold online, by telephone or in person.

·  Friday and Saturdays tended to be the busier times with a maximum of 70 people on the course and 100 in the bar and having food.

·  There would not be any artwork on the external areas of the building.  Windows would be blacked out so nobody could view in.

·  The entrance area would always be staffed by door staff or reception and cloakroom staff.

·  Other premises operated by Ghetto Golf were outside city centres.

·  The premises were within a £5 taxi fare of the city centre.  There would be car parking available and customers were expected to drive as well as use public transport.

·  Further to concerns regarding sex themed holes on the golf course, it was reported that the company had a large catalogue of different styles to be used.  Feedback was taken from customers to meet their requirements.

·  The building was currently empty and had been purchased by the applicant.

·  There would be no admittance to anyone under the age of 18.

·  The building would have soundproofing installed.

·  The church was open from 09:00 until an evening on Sunday and was attended by 250 people including 80 children.  It was also open on Wednesday evening and on a Friday night.  There were also activities held on a Saturday.

The sub-committee adjourned to consider the report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory; the representations submitted and presented at the hearing along with the Statement of Licensing Policy.

 

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for.

 

 

Supporting documents: