Resolved – That Councillor Stephen Bennett be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Licensing Panel 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 Panel 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 Licensing Manager introduced the report which was an application for a Premises Licence under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003. The application was made by Burger Laboratory Limited and related to the premises known as The Burger Lab, 25 Argyle Street, Birkenhead CH41 6AA.

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.

In respect of the application, four representations had been received from local residents and one representation from the ward Councillor. The representations related to noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour that may be caused by patrons of the premises. Copies of the representations were available.

The applicant attended the meeting. Local residents who had made a representation were also in attendance. The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.

The Licensing Manager outlined the report.

The applicant informed the Sub-Committee of their experience as a personal licence holder over many years working as a manager in licenced premises.

Members were provided with details of the proposed business model where it was emphasised that there is no intention for the business to operate as a pub and that alcohol would only be sold when accompanied with a meal. The emphasis was on the premises being a family friendly environment. The Sub-Committee was informed that the premises operate a takeaway service and alcohol is only provided with an order for a substantial meal.

The applicant advised that they currently operate a successful business in Neston and that the proposed venue in Birkenhead would be of the same model. The applicant advised that they were aware of the history associated with the premises that previously occupied the site and recognised the challenges associated with operating in the area. Members were informed that it was the intention of the applicant that the operation of the premises would contribute to the regeneration of the area, attracting multi-generational clientele, providing burgers and street food and premium lager and drinks.

The Sub-Committee were advised that music would be provided for customers and that this would occasionally include live music. It was submitted by the applicant that they wanted to work with local residents to prevent nuisance being caused and that they would liaise with environmental health for advice on noise levels emanating from the property and how this can be mitigated.

The applicant submitted details of training that would be provided to staff which included safeguarding training, challenge 25 policy and how to deal with difficult or abusive customers. Members were informed that the provision of SIA door staff would be considered on occasions when live music would be performed at the premises and would be kept under review for other times when the premises were open. Members were further informed that the premises were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.