Agenda item

The Licensing Officer reported that representations had initially been submitted by the Police and Noise Team, however conditions had since been agreed with the applicant and the representations had been withdrawn.

Two local resident representations were outstanding. The Licensing Officer advised that the applicant had responded to the concerns raised and the response was detailed on page 39 of the agenda papers. In addition, the applicant had submitted a plan of the lease layout before the hearing and this indicated that the garden area behind the station was not part of the café lease.

No responsible authorities or interested parties were present at the hearing. The applicant explained that the premises would be a small café and wine bar. There would be no loud music, dancing or vertical drinking.

The Sub-Committee queried the layout of the outside seating area and any potential impact on the entrance and exit to Crouch Hill station. The applicant produced a photograph on her mobile phone that showed outside tables and benches and it was clear that access to the station would not be impeded. The applicant also explained that a pavement licence had already been obtained from Islington Council.

RESOLVED:

The Sub-Committee has decided to grant the application for a new premises licence in respect of PlanB, 38 Crouch Hill, N4 4AU

1)        To allow the sale of alcohol, on and off the premises, Monday to Saturday from 10am until 11pm and on Sunday from 10am until 10pm.

2)        The playing of recorded music, Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 11pm and on Sunday from 10am to 10pm.

3)        The premises to be open to the public, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 11pm and Sunday from 8am to 10pm.

Conditions detailed on pages 41 to 44 of the agenda shall be applied to the licence.

REASONS FOR DECISION

This meeting was facilitated by Zoom.

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.

Two local resident objections had been received, but there was no attendance by the objectors at the hearing.   Representations had been made by the Police and Noise Team, but had been withdrawn as conditions had been agreed.

The Sub-Committee noted that the hours sought were within the hours specified in licensing policy 6.

The Sub-Committee heard evidence that the concerns of the residents related to the positioning of tables and chairs. One objector had raised concerns that this might cause an obstruction to people accessing Crouch Hill Overground station. The other resident considered that there might be noise emanating from the garden area.

The applicant had produced a plan of the leased area for the premises. The garden did not form part of the lease. The applicant produced a photograph on her phone to show three tables with benches against the wall. It was clear that there would be no obstruction to the entrance of Crouch Hill Overground Station.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the concerns of the residents had been addressed.

The Sub-Committee concluded that the granting of the licence with the agreed conditions would promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee noted that the hours sought were within the hours specified in licensing policy 5 and 6.  The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the operating schedule demonstrated high standards of management.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that granting the premises licence was proportionate and appropriate to the promotion of the licensing objectives and in the public interest.