Agenda item

The applicant reported that this was a premises in a warehouse development.  He had a restaurant near the Islington/Hackney borders which he had been operating for two years and would like to repeat this business at these premises.  He had met with residents.  They had concerns about problems arising on match days and takeaways. He stated that patrons would need to reserve tables.  Wine was sold with food.  No spirits or alcopops were sold.  He wanted to bring Michelin star food to Holloway. 

In response to questions it was noted that this restaurant would focus on sustainable seafood from Devon.  Beer would only be a small percentage of sales and sold in 2/3^rd pint measures.  Reservations would need to be made for tables and on matchdays alcohol would not be served 90 minutes before or after the game. He was not catering for a match crowd.  No bottled beers or take away would be sold.  The van that currently occupied that area would be moving further away.

In summary, the applicant stated that this was a food led premises, they would close at 11pm and they had received no complaints about their other restaurant.

RESOLVED

That the application for a new premises licence in respect of the Ground Floor, 15 Benwell Road, N7 7BL be granted to allow the sale of consumption of alcohol, on and off the premises on Monday to Friday 12:00 to 23:00 and from 10:00 to 23:00 on Saturday and Sunday with the conditions as detailed on pages 154 and 155 of the agenda.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Sub-Committee listened to all the evidence and submissions and read all the material. The Sub-Committee reached the decision having given consideration to the Licensing Act 2003, as amended, and its regulations, the national guidance and the Council’s Licensing Policy.

The Sub-Committee noted that conditions had been agreed with the licensing authority and that there were no objections from responsible authorities. 

The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant had experience of running a restaurant on the Islington/Hackney borders.  The restaurant was to focus on sustainable seafood.  Wine would be served ancillary to food.  Beer would be approximately 2 per cent of alcohol sales and would be served in schooners which measures 2/3rds of a pint.  Beer would not be on display.    Tables were available by reservation only and bookings would not be taken by persons entering from the street.

The Sub-committee noted the conditions proposed regarding the restrictions on alcohol on matchdays.  The restaurant was not catering for football fans.

The applicant had met with the residents who had objected and had explained that the style of the restaurant was not what they had anticipated and the restaurant was not connected with the trailer outside which sold hotdogs. The Sub-Committee noted that the residents had not attended the meeting.

The Sub-Committee noted that the hours sought were within the hours specified in licensing policy 8.

The Sub-Committee considered that the granting of the licence with the conditions was proportionate and in the public interest and appropriate to the licensing objectives.