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Agenda item

Conservatory Archives, 3 Middleton Mews, N7 9LT - New premises licence

Minutes:

The licensing officer reported that the applicant had agreed to remove the application for recorded music.

 

The resident raised concerns about the noise from music and drinking alcohol in a very residential area.

 

The applicant confirmed that he had removed the application for recorded music. He had consulted with the police and licensing authority about the application. It was proposed to sell alcohol between noon and 7pm only as they were aware that it was a residential area. The café area was 500 square foot and had capacity for 20 people.  The sale of alcohol was ancillary to the operation of a garden centre with a focus on tropical plants. As part of the consultation with the police and the noise team, conditions had been accepted and would be placed on the licence. He had detailed this in a letter to residents.

 

In response to questions, the resident questioned whether alcohol in a garden centre was necessary. The applicant had sent a second letter to residents and there had been an invitation to a meeting. The resident present at the meeting had been unable to attend this meeting. The applicant stated he was happy to be involved with the community in the future and would provide his personal number to residents.

 

In summary, the resident stated that the removal of recorded music and the engagement was welcomed but wondered if the sale of alcohol in a residential area was essential to the success of the café. She raised concerns around controls if the premises was rented out.  However, she stated that it was positive that the hours were not late and this was not a pub setting.

The applicant considered that this was a great addition to the garden centre. The café was in a separate building and would be good for that type of premises particularly during the summer. The area may be rented out for photo shoots or for parties however, if hours exceeded 7pm or there was a capacity of over 20, a separate temporary event notice would need to be applied for.

 

RESOLVED

1)      That the application for a new premises licence, in respect of Conservatory Archives, 3 Middleton Mews, N7 9LT, be granted to allow:-

 

a)    The supply of alcohol, for consumption on and off the premises from 12 noon until 7pm Monday to Sunday.

b)    The premises to be open to the public from 10 am until 7pm Monday to Sunday.

 

2)      That conditions detailed on pages 37 to 38 of the agenda 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.

 

Six local resident objections had been received and one resident attended.  There had been no representations made by the responsible authorities.

 

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

 

The Sub-Committee heard evidence that the residents were concerned about noise from music and the possibility of drunken people in the street, particularly with children nearby. The resident confirmed that she had not realised that the applicant had removed his application for recorded music which she welcomed.

 

The Sub-Committee heard evidence from the applicant about the measures he was taking to ensure that no nuisance would be caused. The sale of alcohol was ancillary to the activities of the garden centre and the café could only accommodate 20 people. He was in touch by phone with some neighbours. He was prepared to give his mobile number to residents for use during operating hours so that he would be able to address any problems or issues. He might rent the premises out for photo shoots or parties but would apply for a temporary event notice if this involved the sale of alcohol late at night.

 

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 limited to the early evening and alcohol would be sold in the context of a café attached to a garden centre.   The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the operating schedule demonstrated high standards of management and that the proposed use, with the conditions attached would not negatively impact on any of the licensing objectives.

 

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

 

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