Resolved – That Councillor P Stuart 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 Managing Director for Delivery reported upon an application that had been received from Claremont Farm Limited for a Premises Licence in respect of Claremont Farm Shop, Old Clatterbridge Road, Clatterbridge, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

It was reported that these premises currently hold a Premises Licence for the ground floor of the premises.  The application was for an extension of hours, an increase of the area to be licensed and a change in the way the premises would be operated.  The hours requested were 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. Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the application be granted.

Twelve representations had been received from local residents.  The representations related to concerns that noise nuisance would be caused from intoxicated customers of the premises late at night and entertainment coming from the premises should the application be granted.  Copies of the representations were available.

The applicant attended the meeting together with Mr Barnard.  Mrs Brassey and Mr Baker, local residents, were also in attendance.

Councillor L Rowlands was in attendance at the meeting as an observer.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that the local residents in attendance had also been given permission to speak on behalf of other residents.  Ariel photographs of the premises had also been provided to identify locations.

MrPimbley addressed Members and outlined how the premises would operate should a Premises Licence be granted.  He informed Members about the type of events that would be held on the first floor of the premises.  These included Chef Dine and Demo nights, speciality food and drinks nights, movie nights, conferences, and charity dinners.  He advised that similar events had been held within the farm shop which is currently licensed and no complaints had been received.  The applicant also advised that the ground floor would continue to operate as a shop and café using the current operating hours.

Members were advised that there was no intention to use the premises as a venue for weddings and birthday parties.  The applicant also advised that they would use the events to sell local produce which included craft beers and spirits which would be sold at a premium price.  The applicant informed Members that the premises would hold approximately 80 seated and 100 standing.

The applicant explained that whilst the application was to allow the sale of alcohol 7 days a week, this was to allow flexibility for the business and would not necessarily result in the venue being used 7 days a week.

MrPimbley responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee and local residents.

Members heard details from residents of their concerns relating to public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.