Agenda and minutes

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor H Mann declared a non pecuniary interest in agenda item 4, by virtue of being a member of the LRA who had made an objection. The Councillor indicated that he would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the item.

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the Conduct of Business and the Terms of Reference.

(Director of Corporate Support Services) To consider the attached report.

The three Councillors that presided over this item were Councillors A Boyce, P Keska and H Mann.  The Chairman welcomed the participants and requested that they introduce themselves to the Sub-Committee. In attendance on behalf of the application were Licensing Consultant, F Fender and the applicant Mrs A Ozkan. In attendance on behalf of the objectors was Pastor R Brown. The Chairman then introduced the members and officers present and outlined the procedure that would be followed for the determination of the application.

The Application before the Sub-Committee

The Legal officer informed the Sub-Committee that an application had been made for a premises licence for Mezesphere, 112-120 High Road, Loughton for the supply of alcohol on and off the premises. Several representations had been received from interested parties. The application had also requested an extension to their hours extending up until 24.00 Monday to Saturday.

Following receipt of the application, the Council had received representations from:

·         Essex Police, Environmental Street Scene and the Children’s Safeguard Unit, whom had no objections;

·         Twelve representations from local residents with objections relating to Crime and Disorder, Public Safety and Public Nuisance.

(a)          Presentation of the Applicants Case

Mr Fender informed the Sub-Committee that this was for a new premises licence in Loughton, serving Mediterranean food. If granted, they would sell alcohol only to the customers that were dining in the restaurant. They were also looking for a late night   refreshment licence from 23.00 to midnight.  The opening hours would be longer than the licensing hours to enable it to be open in the mornings for breakfast (07.00 to 00.30, Monday to Saturday, 09.00 to 23.00 Sundays).  They would close thirty minutes after the licensing hours finished in order to allow for “drinking up time” and staggered leaving times. They had given careful consideration to the four licensing objectives and the steps that they intend to take are described in detail on their application form.

There would be no off sales for people not dining in the restaurant but only for diners who wished to take their unfinished bottle of wine home with them after they finished their meal.

Staff were to monitor the level of noise in order not to exceed normal levels expected from such an establishment. He noted that no representation had been received from any of the responsible authorities, although there were twelve letters from local residents.

There was a lot of perceived trouble on noise etc. emanating from the Nu Bar. Objections were received from around the premises. Pastor Brown, he believed, lived closest to the premises.  A lot of objectors submitted their objections on the perception of the possibility of noise. However, this application was for the off sale of alcohol to dinners only.

Please grant this request.

(b)          Questions for the Applicant from the Sub Committee

Councillor Mann asked how many people this establishment would employ. He was told that it would be around 12 people, employed from the local area.

Councillor Keska asked if there would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.