Issue - meetings

To consider an application for a premises licence variation at the above premises.

The Committee was advised that the objector had indicated that he would not attend the hearing, and that the Committee had the option to either adjourn the hearing or to proceed in the absence of the objector. It was decided that the hearing would proceed, as the objector had indicated that he would not attend the hearing were it to be adjourned to a different date.

The Licensing Officer, Ms Barrett, presented the report on the application for a premises licence variation at Crocodile, 155 Lordship Lane. The Committee was provided with copies of the existing licence and attached conditions. It was confirmed that representations had been made in respect of this application by Environmental Health, and by a local resident in respect of noise and nuisance. It was confirmed that it was a condition on the existing licence that the rear area is not to be used by customers at any time.

Mr Pearce, Enforcement Response, noted that several points raised in the Enforcement Response representation were already covered by conditions on the existing licence, and that the final point, in respect of not placing tables or chairs in front of the entrance to the dwelling above the premises, had been agreed by the applicant. The only issue not agreed with the applicant was the recommendation that use of the front external area be restricted past 8.30pm. It was confirmed that the recommendation was that food or drinks should not be consumed in the external area after 8.30pm, although use of this area for smoking would be permitted.

The applicant’s representative, Mr Hopkins, addressed the Committee in support of the application and raised the following points in his address and in responding to questions from the Committee:

• This was a small, family-friendly café aimed at the Albanian community.
• The extension of the hours of the licence was being sought to bring it into line with the later opening hours for which planning consent had recently been received.
• No issues or complaints had been received from the police or Enforcement Response since the licence had initially been granted.
• The applicant wished to use the front external area of the premises for licensable activity past 8.30pm, as this was crucial to the viability of the business and formed part of the European café culture as a space for socialising.
• Use of the front area after 8.30pm would not disturb neighbouring properties, and that the premises was located near a busy junction on a busy road.
• There was only one representation from a local resident, many of the points raised in his representation were regarding the area as a whole, and were not specific to the premises in question.
• There was no evidence submitted to support the allegations being made in respect of the premises.
• No complaints had been made to the police, Council or directly to the applicant regarding activities at the premises, despite the applicant having a contact number on display in the front window and having met with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40