Agenda item

The attached report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory) set out an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Ms Roielle Morris, for Off Licence 15B Middleton Park Circus, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4LX.

The report of the Chief Officer (Elections and Regulatory) set out an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Ms Roielle Morris, for Off Licence 15B Middleton Park Circus, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4LX.

The following were in attendance for this item:

o  Roielle Morris, Premises Manager

o  Saman Fakhri, Premises Owner

In summary, the application proposes sale of alcohol Monday – Saturday 09:00 until 22:30 and Sunday 11:00 until 22:30.

Representations have been received from West Yorkshire Police (WYP) in their capacity as a responsible authority, and two members of the public. The operating schedule has been amended to include measures agreed with WYP.

The Premises Manager addressed the Sub-Committee and explained that the premises will offer a range of cuisines for the local community, including Middle Eastern, Asian, and other European countries. It was mentioned that whilst the shop intended to offer alcohol, the premises will primarily be food orientated. Further points highlighted included:

·  The premises will have CCTV, and there are shutters as well as a metal gate being installed at the back of the premises during closing hours.

·  Nobody under the age of 18 will be allowed inside the premises.

·  Challenge 21 will be enforced.

·  There will be no obstructions for patrons entering / exiting the premises.

·  Fire and risk assessments have been undertaken.

·  The Premises Manager has successfully obtained her SIA badge as well as receiving her personal licence.

·  The Premises Manager has previously managed Silks Gentlemen Club and has experience between the ages of 18-22.

·  The owner has found it difficult within his community with the food and drinks that are available and wishes to offer a variety of cuisines.

In response to questions from Sub-Committee Members, the following was confirmed:

·  There will be 1 fridge, 4 metres long that will be devoted to drinks in the premises and the layout of the shop promotes food provision.

·  Due to previous experience, the manager understands the importance of implementing CCTV.

·  Measures suggested by the police have been agreed and conversations will be had with the police in due course.

·  There will be 3 people working in the shop, and it will primarily be a family run business. The manager explained that she has already expressed the importance to the owner of undertaking training around fire safety.

·  Patrons under the age of 18 are unable to enter the shop, unless supervised by an adult.

·  Further to comments made about engagement, members encouraged the manager and owner to reassure neighbours on the emphasis of a food led shop. It was acknowledged that this will be a positive statement for neighbours to hear.

The Chair concluded the open session of the hearing before the Sub-Committee went into private session to make their decision. All parties were informed that the decision would be sent within 5 working days.

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.

RESOLVED – To grant the licence as applied for.