Agenda and minutes

Councillor Wildsmith had been appointed Chairman for this meeting.

None declared.

GRANDMA BUGGINS, 3 WHITE HART PARADE, LONDON ROAD, BLACKWATER, GU17 9AD

To consider and determine an application for a new premises licence application for Grandma Buggins, 3 White Hart Parade, London Road, Blackwater, GU17 9AD in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

The following supporting documents are attached:

Appendix 1 - Application for new premises licence and premises plan

Appendix 2 - Representation from Hampshire Constabulary

Appendix 3 - Representation from interested party

Appendix 4 - Mediation – amendment to application

Appendix 5 - Mediation communications - representations not withdrawn

Appendix 6 - Extracts from section 182 Guidance

Appendix 7 - Extract from Hart Statement of Licensing Policy

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Hearing.  All attendees introduced themselves, and their role within the meeting. 

The Chairman asked if there were any declarations of interest, or if there were any objections to any panel members.  There were none.

The Chairman explained the process and order for the Hearing in respect of a new premises licence for Grandma Buggins, 3 White Hart Parade, London Road, Blackwater, GU17 9AD having consideration of The Licensing Act 2003.

The Licensing Officer summarised the background to the application contained in her report and the role of the Licensing Team and the request being made to the Licensing Sub Committee.

PC Dennett explained the location of the premises.  He referred to his report and the immediate concern regarding details in the application.  This centred around:

·       Crime and disorder and detailed violent incidents at the premises and offences committed in the local area. 

·       What providing alcohol with food deliveries only entailed

·       The closing time on a Friday being missing

·       Lack of engagement with the Police, before and during the application process

PC Dennett felt these details made the application unacceptable and recommended it be rejected.

Councillor Tarbet on behalf of Blackwater and Hawley Town Council stated he found it unacceptable and inappropriate for this licence to go ahead, having consideration to and fear for the public safety and prevention of crime and disorder.  Councillor Tarbet further advised he lives nearby and the area experiences drunk people, noise and rubbish from there.  The main concern was people who were already intoxicated from the two pubs in the locality would use the sale of alcohol after these times as an extension to this.  Furthermore, he felt this would encourage a different demographic to the area, and for the residents living above this would fuel noise, arguments and more crime and disorder for the Town Council.

The Chairman offered the applicant’s agent the opportunity to question any of the statements made.  There were no questions at this time although he explained while he shared the concern of both parties when he had tried to engage with PC Dennett, he had not received a response.

Members asked PC Dennett had email’s been received.  PC Dennett advised no contact had been receive prior to the application.  Members asked both PC Dennett and Councillor Tarbet if they had been in contact with residents above the premise.  Both confirmed they had not.

Members asked PC Dennett if he could provide further details on the incidents he had referred to involving staff from the premise, PC Dennett stated it was not suggested the situation had been antagonised by the staff. 

Members questioned the Licensing Officer is there had been any reported issues since new operator had taken over. They confirmed there had not.

The Chairman invited the applicant’s agent to put forward their case.

He clarified the request was for a late-night refreshment licence, sale of alcohol with the same hours for food deliveries.  The request was not for alcohol to be purchased  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.