Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory

The report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory presented an application for the grant of a Premises Licence for Against the Grain, Init 1, Regency House, Kirk Lane, Leeds, LS19 7EP.

The following were in attendance:

Mr Lewis Cuddy – Against the Grain

Mr Owen Wilson – Against the Grain

The Legal Officer explained the procedure to be followed.  All parties present agreed to the hearing going ahead with a Sub-Committee of two Members.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application.  The hours of operation applied for were as follows:

Sale by retail of alcohol:

Everyday 11:00 to 22:00

Entertainment of a similar description:

Everyday 11:00 to 22:00

The hours had been reduced from the original application following discussion with the Environmental Protection team.

Representations had been made by the Environmental Protection Team and West Yorkshire Police.  Measures had been agreed to satisfy these representations.  There was still an outstanding representation from a member of the public.

The applicant was invited to address the Sub-Committee.  The following was highlighted:

·  The applicant was aware of the objector’s concerns.  The premises would be operated in a café/European style.  The applicant operated at a similar premises where there had not been any problems with noise or nuisance.  Those premises often received 5 star reviews and return custom.

·  The applicant was confident that there would be measures in place to address any of the objector’s concerns.  At their existing premises there were no problems with noise nuisance and measures taken included low levels of music and control of timings when bins were emptied.

·  The applicant aimed to establish an environment that would build local community and would be happy to meet any objectors to discuss their concerns.

·  The applicant’s other premises had been voted the Best Bar in Leeds.  It was aimed to replicate the same kind of operation and those premises were in a similar location.

·  The premises were not too close to housing and there was already a licensed takeaway in the building which was open until 02:00.

·  It was not anticipated that many customers would use cars to attend the premises and it was felt that this would not be a cause of disturbance.

In response to questions, discussion included the following:

·  There would be a diverse range of beer and wines available and these were sourced from companies with an ethos of sustainability.

·  There was scope for some expansion within the premises and this would need further planning permission.  The proposed capacity was for 51 seats.

·  There would be a charcuterie style food offering with the possibility of pizzas on a weekend.  There would also be cocktails and hot drinks available.

·  The applicant had agreed to reduce their originally proposed hours of opening and include conditions to the license to satisfy the concerns of responsible authorities.

·  The applicant indicated that they would be willing to install noise control technology if required to do so.

·  There would only be background music played and other noise mitigation measures would include restricting the times in which bottle bins were used.

·  The applicant and staff were experienced in the management of bars and the identification of any problems that may occur.

The Sub-Committee went into private session to make their deliberations and carefully considered the report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory, the submissions made in writing and made at the hearing and also the Statement of Licensing Policy.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for.