Resolved – That Councillor S Niblock be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Sub-Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members of the Sub-Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Westbourne Hall Community Trust for a Premises Licence in respect of Westbourne Hall, Westbourne Road, West Kirby, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The hours requested were outlined within the report and Members were advised that the application for the mandatory condition requiring a Designated Premises Supervisor had been disapplied as no representations had been received from Merseyside Police.  Members were also informed that an alternative mandatory condition would be imposed should the application be granted, stating that every supply of alcohol under the licence must be made or authorised by the Management Committee.

The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives.  A copy of the full application was available.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

Representations had been received from twelve local residents.  The representations related to noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour which was currently a problem within the vicinity of the premises and residents were concerned that this would increase if the application was granted.  Copies of the representations were available.

The applicant’s solicitor, Mr Holland attended the meeting together with the Chair and a Committee Member of Westbourne Hall Community Trust.

A local resident was also in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that apologies had been received from two local residents who had made representations and subsequently sent emails.

All those in attendance at the meeting were made aware that the meeting was being filmed by a member of the public.

Mr Holland addressed the Sub-Committee and outlined the application.  He advised Members that the application had not been made as a commercial venture as the premises operated as a community trust.  He informed Members that the members of the Trust who were in attendance had been involved with the premises for a number of years and that the application had been made in order that people who wished to rent the premises would be able to sell alcohol at functions.  Mr Holland reported that the premises had utilised Temporary Event Notices during the previous year and that no objections from any of the responsible authorities had been received, therefore the functions had been well run.  He advised that one of the reasons the application had been made was in order that no bookings would be lost by people seeking to hire alternative venues where they could sell alcohol.  He advised that the Trust would not receive any profit from alcohol being sold at functions but that the application had been made in order to create a level playing field with other premises.  He informed Members that there was no intention for the premises to be run any differently and that subsequent to being made aware of the concerns  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Members were advised that a request had been made by the applicant that this application be deferred to a future date at the convenience of all parties.