Agenda item

The Licensing Officer introduced all parties to the application, which was for a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The Licence was to allow the sale of alcohol, on the premises only, between midday and 9pm Monday to Sunday.

The applicant had agreed conditions with the Police Licensing Team and the Council’s Noise Team, so those representations were withdrawn and conditions agreed were included in the operating schedule. Two local residents and one ward councillor had made representations. The licensing officer read a statement provided by one of the residents who could not attend. The statement highlighted the resident’s concerns, which were related to noise being caused by people eating and drinking outside the premises and extra refuse, and the importance of mitigations to prevent noise caused by live and recorded music.

The Sub-Committee asked about staffing, noise from extractor fans and air conditioning. The applicant explained that alcohol would be served ancillary to coffee, which was the main product. The alcohol served would be light beverages and the occasional cocktail or glass of wine to accompany a charcuterie board. There would be no noise from extractor fans because they would not be serving hot food. The latest they would be open until was 9pm and customers would not be allowed to drink alcohol outside of the premises. Refuse would be collected each night. If neighbours had experienced noise, it may have been during the construction period and would not be routine.

Following questions from the Sub-Committee the applicant explained that there was not much additional footfall during match days however they would bring in extra staff for vigilance who would be trained to be aware of customers and to not serve alcohol if someone seemed too intoxicated. Alcohol would only be served inside along with food products.

The applicant explained that they were not planning on bringing in live music as they were conscious of not disturbing residents. They felt they were more likely to run a book club or a similar activity.

The Chair informed those present that the legal advisor would inform them if legal advice was provided during the decision making.

RESOLVED

The Sub-Committee has decided to grant the application for a new premises licence in respect of Esquires Essex Road Ltd, 319 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 2BD to allow the sale of alcohol on the premises only between midday and 9pm Monday to Sunday Conditions detailed on pages 86 to 88 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. There had been no representations made by the responsible authorities. Conditions proposed by the Noise Team and Police were agreed to by the applicant.

The Sub-Committee noted that the hours sought were within the hours specified in licensing policy 6. The application was for on sales only. The premises would not be alcohol led and alcohol would only be sold to seated customers. There would be no vertical drinking.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the comprehensive operating schedule demonstrated high standards of management andthat granting the premises licence with the extensive conditions agreed was proportionate and appropriate to the promotion of the licensing objectives.