Agenda item

To consider the attached application by Languagetech and Services Ltd for a new premises licence at 150 Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill.

The three councillors that presided over this application were Councillors J Jennings (Chairman), R Morgan and B Rolfe.

The Chairman welcomed Mr G Tipu, the applicant’s representative. 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 Licensing Compliance Officer, P Jones introduced the application for a new premises licence at Sapore Rustico, 150 Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 6AR.

The application was for the following licensing activities:

The Sale by Retail of Alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises)

Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 22:00

Opening Hours of the Premises:

Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 22:30

The application had been received on the 20 September 2021 and the Operating Schedule set out the conditions that would be attached to the licence, if the application was granted.

The responsible authorities had received a copy of the application. It had been advertised at the premises, in a local newspaper and all residences and businesses within 150 meters radius of the premises had been individually consulted.

The authority had received three representations, one from Buckhurst Hill Parish Council and two from members of the public. The objections related to the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Responses had also been received from the Essex Police and the Epping Forest District Council Resilience Team, where additional measures had been agreed with the applicant. There had been no objections from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Environmental Health.

(b)       Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

The Applicant’s representative, Mr G Tipu advised that the premises was an Italian restaurant and part of the Italian cuisine was wine and prosecco so the licence was needed to successfully run the business.

Mr Tipu stated that a letter had been sent to the Licensing Sub-Committee from the applicant Mr S Tipu advising that alcohol would only be sold with food and not separately and that the premises operated CCTV. He also advised that they would be willing to reduce the hours of providing alcohol from 9am-11pm to 11am-10pm.

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

Councillor J Jennings asked if there were any provisions for smoking and people congregating outside.

The applicant advised that as a leaseholder there was no ownership outside of the premises but a cigarette stand could be placed outside for customers use.

The Solicitor for the Council R Ferreira asked the applicant to confirm the times of the sale of alcohol.

The applicant advised that the sale of alcohol would be from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm and the opening times of the premises would be from 9am to 10pm.

(d)             Closing Statement from the Applicant

The applicant thanked the Sub-Committee and all the residents in the surrounding area of where the premises was situated, who did not make any objections and for the opportunity to present the application to the Sub-Committee.

(e)             Consideration of the Application by the Sub-Committee

The Chairman advised that the Sub-Committee would go into private session to consider the application.

During their deliberations the Sub-Committee received no further advice from Officer’s present. The Sub-Committee noted all of the submissions and representations that had been made in relation to the application and had considered what was appropriate to promote the four licensing objectives and the relevant parts of the Council’s Licensing Policy and the Home Office’s guidance.

RESOLVED:

That the application for a premises licence in respect of Sapore Rustico, 150 Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 6AR be granted subject to the following conditions which in the opinion of the Licensing Sub-Committee were reasonable, proportionate and in the public interest for the promotion of the licensing objectives:

(1)             The conditions which were consistent with the Operating Schedule as varied by the conditions agreed with Essex Police on Page 37 of the Agenda and with Community Resilience on page 38 of the Agenda save that the conditions to the sale of alcohol and the opening times of the premises are to be amended to read as follows:

Sale of Alcohol:                                        Monday to Sunday 11:00 to 22:00.

Opening Times of the Premises:             Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 22:30.

which were considered to be reasonable and proportionate and would not undermine the licensing objectives.

The applicants were reminded of their right of appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of date of the written notification of this decision. Please also be reminded that licences in general could be reviewed.