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 virtual meeting would be broadcast to the internet and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

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 application for a New Premises Licence in respect of 191 High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4LN.

The three councillors that presided over this application were Councillors M Sartin (Chairman), P Keska and S Heather.

The Chairman welcomed Mr G Wilson, the applicant and his business partner Miss C Dent. There were no objectors present. The Chairman introduced the Members and officers present and outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the application.

(a)          Application before the Sub-Committee

The application was for a new premises licence at 191 High Road, Loughton, IG10 4LN, which would  provide a membership club during the day with a space to work/conduct meetings for the working at home community and be converted into a 40 seater single screening cinema in the evening.

The Licensing Compliance Officer introduced the application for the following licensing activities:

Supply of Alcohol (on sales)

Monday to Sunday                  08:00 to 23:00

The Provision of Films

Monday to Friday                                19:00 to 23:00

Saturday                                             09:00 to 23:00

Sunday                                                09:00 to 22:00

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday                  08:00 to 23:00

The application was received on 8 October 2021. The Operating Schedule set out conditions which would be attached to the licence if this application was granted. 

The Responsible Authorities had all received a copy of the application, it was also advertised at the premises and in a local newspaper. All residences and businesses within 150 metre radius of the premises were individually consulted.

The Licensing Authority received a representation from Loughton Town Council, and one representation from a local resident.  Both Essex Police and the Environmental Enforcement Officer had agreed conditions with the applicant which had been attached to the agenda. The Objections related to the prevention of public nuisance.

(b)          Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

Mr G Wilson advised that the premises would offer a professional environment for people working at home to meet clients or go to which provided an alternative venue. Miss C Dent commented that it would be a place for people to work and reduce isolation. It was recognised that in the evenings the footfall would reduce, therefore one of the rooms would be converted into a screening room. The cinema would be installed by a professional company that supplies, installs and maintains technologies to cinemas throughout the UK called Omnex. The licence would allow the sale of alcohol for users at lunch time and evenings, as well as patrons visiting the cinema in the evenings. It was proposed that this business would be used by the local community and the cinema would provide more of a date night environment rather than the latest films.

The applicant had been working with their landlord, Lopping Hall, who had been very supportive of the businesses proposals.

(c)          Questions for the Applicant from the Sub-Committee

The Sub-Committee asked the following questions;

·         Was the company VAT registered? The applicant replied that it was.

·         Were there separate entrances for the users at Lopping Hall and applicant’s business? Yes.

·         What type of light refreshments would be served? The applicant advised that there would be no cooking facilities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To consider the attached application to vary an existing premises Licence for The Merry Fiddlers, 4 Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping, Essex, CM16 7PY.

The three councillors that presided over this application were Councillors M Sartin (Chairman), P Keska and I Hadley.

The Chairman welcomed Karen Cochrane, the applicant’s solicitor, Mr Thomas James, the applicant. Councillor N Avey was present objecting on behalf of Epping Town Council. The Chairman introduced the members and officers present and outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the application.

(a)          Application before the Sub-Committee

The application wasfor a variation to the existing premises licence for The Merry Fiddlers, 4 Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping, Essex, CM16 7PY.

The Licensing Compliance Officer introduced the application for the following licensing activities:

1.            To add Films Monday to Sunday 12.00 – 23.00

2.            To add Late Night Refreshment Monday to Saturday 23.00 – 00.30am

3.            To amend opening times to Monday 07.00 – 00.30am, Tuesday to Saturday 08.00 – 00.30, Sunday 08.00 – 23.00

It was noted that the most up to date copy of the premises licence had not been attached to the agenda. The correct version of the variation application had been circulated via email to members and attendees of the Sub-Committee before the meeting.

The application was received on 22 October 2021. The Responsible Authorities had  received a copy of the application, it was also advertised at the premises and in a local newspaper, a copy of the newspaper advert.

The Licensing Authority received one representation from Epping Town Council which  related to the Prevention of Public Nuisance. No other representations were received.

(b)          Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

The applicant’s solicitor informed the Sub-Committee that the variation only requested the addition of films and late night refreshments to the current licence. The licensing hours and opening times of the premises remained the same.

The variation would allow the applicant flexibility required for showing films outdoors in England and the possibility of cancellations and reorganisation being made at the last minute due to the weather. The applicant had run two successful events under TENS, although one had been cut short due to the weather, so it was for this reason he wished to add this to his licence. There was also a need to encourage more trade throughout the week, when the premises was less busy. No objections had been received from neighbours and he had been in regular contact with them, to ensure that the premises was not causing any disturbances.  The solicitor concluded that the applicant had only requested changes to the provision of films and late night refreshments to enable the premises to serve hot drinks within their already permitted opening hours.

The Legal Officer advised that the hours referred to in the agenda (Section L) would be amended inline with the most recent application of the premises on 12 December 2018, namely Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 07:00 – 00:30 and Sunday 08:00 – 23:00.

(c)          Questions for the Applicant from the Sub-Committee

The Sub-Committee asked the following questions:

·         What late night refreshments would be served? The solicitor advised that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.