The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Enterprise Inns to vary a Premises Licence in respect of Sheridans, 80 Wallasey Village, Wallasey, 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.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

A representation had been received from a local resident.  A representation had also been received from Saint George’s Court Management Committee.  The representations related to noise nuisance from entertainment coming from the premises at a late hour.  The representations also related to nuisance from customers leaving the premises.

A representation had also been received from Ward Councillor, Leah Fraser which supported the concerns expressed by local residents. Copies of the representations were available.

Ms S McQuade, Designated Premises Supervisor attended the meeting together her representative Mr C Johnson.

Councillor Leah Fraser, Ward Councillor was also in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and provided an extended map of the area which included the location of local residents’ properties.

Mr Johnson addressed the Sub-Committee and informed Members that the premises was a three storey building comprising a public house and fourteen room accommodation which was located in Wallasey Village.  He reported that the Designated Premises Supervisor had been in the business for a number of years and at these particular premises over eight years.  He advised that the premises were crucial to the local community and outlined the ways in which the premises were used for the benefit of the local community including fund raising events, fun days and the provision of free refreshments and accommodation for residents meetings.  Mr Johnson believed that the application was necessary in order to succeed within the trade and explained that the variation would create a level playing field with other premises within the area.  Mr Johnson also explained that it was impractical to operate the premises on a daily basis with the condition that a personal licence holder must be on the premises at all times and therefore the applicant had requested to vary this condition.

Mr Johnson and Ms McQuade responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Councillor Fraser and Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee.

Councillor Fraser explained the concerns of local residents regarding noise disturbance during the week and at weekends and the concerns caused by the request to vary the condition regarding the Personal Licence Holder.  Councillor Fraser advised that residents were concerned about the extra hour requested for Bank Holidays and also believed it would be excessive to open extra hours every weekend night in December.  Councillor Fraser stressed the importance of liaison with local residents and encouraged the Designated Premises Supervisor to invite local residents to discuss any concerns they may have and also to inform them that the Environmental Health Officer had visited the premises and had not made any representations in respect of the application.

The Designated Premises Supervisor responded to the concerns raised by Councillor Fraser and in response to the concerns raised withdrew the request for extended hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during December.

In determining the application Members had regard to the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of public nuisance, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and statutory guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members gave consideration to the representations made by Ward Councillor, Leah Fraser.  Members also considered the written representation made by a local resident on behalf of St George’s Court.

Members had regard to the fact that there were no representations from any of the Responsible Authorities, in particular, Environmental Health.

Members considered the representations made in respect of how the premises would be operated and managed in respect of the extra hours applied for, the willingness of the Designated Premises Supervisor to liaise with the local community and the withdrawal of the application for extended hours in December.

Members had regard to the fact that there was no direct evidence that the licensing objectives would be undermined should the application be granted.

Resolved -

(1)  That in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the application.

(2)  That the application to vary the Premises Licence in respect of Sheridans, 80 Wallasey Village, Wallasey, be approved with the following hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Sunday to Friday  11:00 to 00:00

Saturday  10:00 to 00:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Friday  11:00 to 00:30

Saturday  10:00 to 00:30

Regulated Entertainment (Exhibition   of Films, Indoor Sporting Events and Anything of a Similar Description) - UNCHANGED

Sunday to Friday  11:00 to 23:30

Saturday  10:00 to 23:30

Regulated Entertainment (Recorded Music)

Sunday to Friday  11:00 to 00:00

Saturday  10:00 to 00:00

Live Music

Sunday to Friday  11:00 to 00:00

Saturday  10:00 to 00:00

Non-Standard Timings

Sale by Retail of Alcohol & Recorded Music

11:00 to 01:00   Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Halloween, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Any day preceding a bank holiday except Christmas Day

11:00 to 02:00   New Years Eve

Hours Open to the Public

11:00 to 01:30   Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Halloween, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Any day preceding a bank holiday except Christmas Day

11:00 to 02:30   New Years Eve

(3)  That the following condition be removed from the Premises Licence:

·  A Personal Licence Holder must be on the premises at all times to supervise the sale and consumption of alcohol.

(4)  That the following condition be placed on the Premises Licence:

·  A Personal Licence Holder must be on the premises from 21:00 to supervise the sale and consumption of alcohol.