Agenda and minutes

1. This virtual meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to unmute before speaking.

2. The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the internet (or filmed) and will be capable of repeated viewing (or another use by such third parties).

Please could I also remind Members of the Public who have registered to speak that they will be admitted to the meeting at the appropriate time.

Please also be aware that if technical difficulties interrupt the meeting that cannot be overcome, I may need to adjourn the meeting.”

The Chairman made a short address to remind everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the internet, and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

The Committee noted that Councillor R Morgan would substitute for Councillor B Rolfe for the duration of the meeting.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct.

Please find attached the revised procedures for holding and attending a virtual meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the procedure for the conduct of business for this virtual meeting.

To note the adopted procedure for the conduct of business by the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the conduct of business and the Terms of Reference.

To consider the attached report.

The three Councillors that presided over this item were Councillors J Jennings, R Morgan and P Stalker. During the meeting when Councillor J Jennings unexpectedly left the meeting due to connectivity problems, Councillor L Mead, who had been present but was monitoring the meeting, took her place.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers present. The Chairman welcomed the participants to the Sub-Committee. In attendance for the application was the applicant and his wife, Mr and Mrs Lovelock. There were no objectors present.

a)         The Application before the Sub-Committee

The Licensing Compliance Officer, H Ibrahim, informed the Sub-Committee that an application had been made by Multitap Gaming Ltd in respect of a new premises licence at Multitap Gaming Hub, 52 The Broadway, Loughton IG10 3ST.

The application had been received by the Licensing Authority on 22 June 2020. A copy of the new premises licence application and the operating schedule setting out conditions, which would be attached to the licence application if this application was granted, were attached to the agenda.

The applicant was applying for a new Premises Licence for an eSports gaming café that would include:

Sale of Alcohol on the premises:

Monday - Friday 18.00 to 22.00, Saturday 18.00 to 23.30 and Sunday 18.00 to 20.00

Premises opening hours:

Monday to Friday 10.00 to 22.00, Saturday 10.00 to 23.30 and Sunday 10.00 to 20.00

The application had been properly advertised at the premises, in a local newspaper and the public notice was attached to the agenda. All residences and businesses within a 150-metre radius of the premises had been individually consulted.

The Council had received three letters of objection that had related to the four licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003 – the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The applicant had also agreed recommended conditions with Essex Police, as detailed in the agenda.

b)        Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr Lovelock informed the Sub-Committee that this would be a video games hub in a niche, new sector of this market. The eSports gaming café would be a venue for people who enjoyed playing video games in a community, socially orientated and safe environment. Refreshments would be provided as an auxiliary service. People would be able to sit down on chairs or sofas and play video games. Age limits would be applied according to the (age) ratings on the video games . There was also the eSports scene, which would tap into the professional levels and those who wanted to take part in competitions. It was hoped that professional players and semi-professionals would come into Multitap Gaming Hub. There would be strictly controlled hours and the applicant had taken steps to reduce the impact of the premises licence, as the safety of its customers was a foremost priority. The auxiliary part of the business of selling refreshments would mean that Multitap Gaming Hub was limited on the alcoholic drinks it would be able  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To consider the attached report.

The three Councillors that presided over this application were Councillors J Jennings, L Mead and P Stalker.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers present. The Chairman welcomed the participant, and in attendance on behalf of the applicant was Mr L Charalambides (barrister). There were no objectors present.

a)         The Application before the Sub-Committee

The Licensing Compliance Officer, H Ibrahim, informed the Sub-Committee that an application had been made by Corrigan Lockett Limited on behalf of Martin McColl Limited, the Premises Licence Holder, for a variation to the existing premises licence for McColls, 65 High Street, Roydon, Harlow CM19 5EE.

The Licensing Authority had received the application on 17 June 2020. A copy of the present licence for the premises, the application for variation including proposed conditions and the public notice were attached to the agenda.

The application set out the varied licensing activities applied for and times requested.

Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises:

The applicant was requesting to extend the hours to:

Monday to Sunday, 06.00 – 23.00

Current hours:

Weekdays, 08.00 – 23.00

Sundays, 10.00 – 22.30

Sale by retail of alcohol on Christmas day

The applicant was requesting to remove the seasonal restrictions from the premises licence.

Current restrictions:

Christmas Day, 12.00 – 15.00 and 19.00 – 22.30

The applicant was requesting that the Licensing Authority allow for the delivery service of alcohol and grocery products from the premises using a delivery service provider within the permitted times stated on the premises licence.

The applicant was wishing to add conditions under Annex 2 (Conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule), of the premises licence. These included the use of CCTV, staff training, a till ‘age restriction’ prompt, a sale refusal log, a Challenge 25 policy for both in store and on delivery with prominent signage, the location of spirits behind the counter and the prepayment of all delivery sales. Full details were attached in the agenda.

The application had been properly advertised at the premises, in a local newspaper and the public notice was attached to the agenda. All residences and businesses within a 150-metre radius of the premises had been individually consulted.

The Council had received four letters of objection that had related to the four licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003 – the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children form harm.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, who had responded and audited the application,  was of the opinion, taking into consideration the information submitted, that there was no additional risk to the public as a consequence of the proposed application being approved.

b)         Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr Charalambides informed the Sub-Committee that this application was based on policy, specifically paragraphs 10.13 to 10.15 of the section 108 guidance in relation to retail shop hours, where effectively shops should be open whenever retail was on offer. McColls was seeking to match the retail hours to the policy, that being  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.