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 Assistant Chief Executive reported upon an application that had been received from The Exchange Bar Limited to vary a Premises Licence in respect of the premises known as The Exchange, 1-5 The Mount, Heswall, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The variation requested was outlined within the report.

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.

Representations had been received from 16 local residents and related to concerns that, if the application were to be granted, existing problems of anti-social behaviour and public nuisance caused by customers of the premises together with nuisance from loud music would be exacerbated if the premises were to be open beyond its current permitted hours. Copies of the representations made by local residents were made available.

A representation had also been received from the Licensing Authority following a recent complaint received from a local resident concerning loud music emanating from the premises. The complaint was subsequently investigated by Licensing Enforcement Officers and upon undertaking observations at the premises it was found that the complaint was upheld. Furthermore, it was reported that on both occasions when loud music was heard by a local resident and Licensing Enforcement Officer, the premises were open beyond the permitted hours. A copy of the representation was available.

Mr Rodgers, the Designated Premises Supervisor attended the meeting together with Ms Hand, the Bar Manager and their Legal Representative, Mr R Williams.

Mr A Bushell, Licensing Operations Manager was in attendance together with local residents, Mr Harrison and Mr Griffiths.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received in advance of the meeting. Members heard that an additional document had been submitted by the applicant prior to the meeting and that this had been shared with all parties.  Mr Bushell also made reference to an email that he may wish to produce. Mr Williams objected to the submission of this material at this late stage.

Mr A Bushell advised the Sub Committee that, if necessary, he may call Licensing Enforcement Officers as witnesses.

In response to Mr William’s objection, Mr Harrison requested that the meeting be deferred as he felt that he, along with other local residents, had not had adequate time to consider the further material that had been provided to them immediately before the start of the meeting.

The Sub Committee adjourned to consider the request made by Mr Harrison.

During the adjournment, residents agreed that they were content to proceed and therefore opted to withdraw their request for deferment. The Sub-Committee then proceeded.

Mr Williams addressed the Sub-Committee and advised that the application was a commercial decision to apply to extend current opening hours and sale of alcohol. Members heard how the applicant sought parity with other premises within the immediate area who had longer opening hours. He reported that following discussions with Trading Standards and Merseyside  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.