Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration.

The report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration presented an application for the grant of a Premises Licence at Kirkstall Abbey Ruins, Cloisters, Church and Visitor Centre, Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds.

The application was for the following:

-  Performance of plays, performance of recorded music, performance of live music, exhibition of films, performance of dance – Everyday 07:00 to 23:00

-  Late night refreshment – Everyday 23:00 to 00:00

-  Sale by retail of alcohol – Everyday 11:00 to 22:30

The application had received representations from West Yorkshire Police and others. 

It was reported that the application was for specific areas within the abbey grounds, namely the Ruins, Cloisters, Church and Visitor Centre.  There was already an all-encompassing licence for large outdoor events.  This licence, if granted, would be used for smaller and more specific events.  It was not anticipated that licensable activities would be held every day.  Prior to the hearing, agreement had been reached with West Yorkshire Police subject to conditions and representations from local residents were outstanding.

Elaine Frances-Truett addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of Kirkstall Abbey.  She highlighted the following issues in relation to the application:

·  Temporary Event Notices had been used for events at the Abbey and there were too many events planned for the continued use of these.

·  The Licence would be more appropriate for smaller events to be held such as markets and theatre performances.

·  The main uses of the licence would be for sale of alcohol, performance of films and music.

·  The events would generally attract less than 500 customers.

·  It was proposed to hold a further 9 theatre events and 5 films before the end of the year.

·  When evening events were held, careful planning took place with organises to reduce any potential impact on residents.  A senior sound technician would be on site to control sound levels and regular ambient noise checks would be carried out.

·  Work would take place with the Council for traffic management and parking arrangements.  It would be made clear to customers of ticketed events which areas were not available for parking.  It was not felt that concerns that had been expressed about parking were due to events at the Abbey.

·  There were no plans to change current licensed operations at the Abbey.

·  The applicant was happy to have conditions to the licence as proposed by West Yorkshire Police.

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

o  There would be less than 30 events held annually.

o  Food at events would be street food style – pizzas and burgers.

o  Although the licence was requested until 23:00 it was preferred that events finished earlier.

The Licensing Sub-Committee carefully considered the report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration, the Statement of Licensing Policy and the representations submitted and made at the hearing.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted as applied for with additional agreed conditions between the applicant and West Yorkshire Police.