Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Glancy was elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Licensing Sub Committee meeting. She introduced Members and Officers as well as those making representations at the meeting.

It was confirmed that those present could hear and see the proceedings and Members could also see the Chair and each other. The Chair explained that those present would use the functionality of the software to raise their hands to speak and should the remote conferencing connection be lost there would be an adjournment. She advised that the meeting would be recorded and live-streamed on You Tube.

The Chair further advised that the once all representations had been heard, the meeting would be adjourned and the Sub-Committee Members would move into a private session to make their decision. The parties may remain in the Zoom meeting and await the outcome, but should turn off their video and microphone as the meeting would remain live on YouTube during this period.

There were no apologies for absence from Members.

It was noted that A. Hubbard and T. Vernon of Tubes, who had submitted a representation, would not be in attendance.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To consider any evidence or representations made following receipt of an application to vary the Premises Licence in respect of The White Lion, Melton Mowbray and to determine the application in accordance with the licensing objectives

The Licensing and Compliance Officer presented the previously circulated report and referred to the additional information which was available following despatch of the agenda as follows :

·         Email from Licensing Enforcement Officer dated 17 August 2020

·         Email from applicant’s solicitor dated 23 September 2020

·         Photographs of the White Lion

George Domleo, the applicant’s solicitor, made a representation on behalf of the White Lion. The focus of which was the extension of opening times to 3.30 am daily which was felt to be in line with other licensed premises in the town centre and an extension to the opening time of outdoor entertainment in the beer garden to 1 am on 4 occasions per month. Simon Brooks, the Tenant of the White Lion, supported the solicitor’s submission.

It was noted that Tubes Nightspot had made a representation against the application on licensing principles of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and to protect children from harm, the detail of which was set out at appendix C.

The Sub Committee Members asked relevant questions of Mr Domleo and Mr Brooks and they responded accordingly.

David Martschenko, Environmental Health – Senior Technical Officer, made a representation relating to the extension to outdoor entertainment and considered that this should end at midnight on 4 occasions per month. Although no complaints or  representations had been received from local residents, the Council had a duty to protect those living in close proximity. He explained that the formal start of nighttime when residents would expect a quiet environment conducive to sleep, was 11 pm. He offered closure at midnight on 4 occasions per month as a compromise.

All parties were invited to ask questions of Mr Martschenko and he responded accordingly.

Each party was invited to make a closing statement.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am for the Sub Committee to consider their decision.

Mr Martschenko here left the meeting and did not return following the adjournment.

The meeting was reconvened at 13:35 pm.

The Chair reopened the meeting and expressed the Sub Committee’s appreciation of the improvements that had been made and the positive attitude towards the future of the White Lion. She handed over to the Senior Solicitor to announce the Sub Committee’s decision which granted the application in part and with conditions appropriate to support and promote the four licensing objectives Full Decision Notice.

RESOLVED that

The Licensing Sub-Committee (in exercise of the powers delegated by Melton Borough Council as Licensing Authority) granted the application in part and with conditions appropriate to support and promote the four licensing objectives Full Decision Notice.