The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Tea Hospitality Limited for a Premises Licence in respect of Thyme, 35-37 Eastham Village Road, Eastham, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were advised that the premises do not hold a Premises Licence and were not currently trading.  The hours applied for were outlined and it was reported that following discussions with Merseyside Police and Trading Standards, the applicant had agreed to a number of conditions being imposed on the Premises Licence.

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. Amendments to the operating schedule were set out within the report. 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.  The representation related to alcohol related anti-social behaviour within the vicinity of the premises and concerns that this would increase should the application be granted. A copy of the representation was available.

Mr Acton, the applicant’s father and representative attended the meeting.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received and that the written representation from the local resident was available for Members’ consideration.

Mr Acton addressed the Sub-Committee and advised that the family had been in the licensing trade for over thirty years and have experience of running hotels, bars and restaurants and that his son had also managed several outlets.  He also advised that the family would be taking an active role in running the business.  He informed Members that the family knew the area well and that they had received a good response from the local community in respect of the application.  He acknowledged that parking was an issue for local residents, however, he believed that this problem would not be exacerbated should the application be granted as the intention was to sell fresh food purchased by himself, which would not involve deliveries being made to the premises and there would be no additional issue for waste.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Acton advised that he intended to play background music at the premises and serve high end food.  He informed Members that the premises would have between forty and fifty covers and believed there was a market for a good quality restaurant in the area.  He further advised that the smoking area would be situated at the rear of the premises.

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Statutory Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the written representation made by a local resident.

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 for a Premises Licence in respect of Thyme, 35-37 Eastham Village Road, Eastham be agreed with the following hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Sunday to Saturday  11:00 to 23:00

Christmas Eve  11:00 to 01:00

New Years Eve  11:00 to 01:00

Hours Open to the Public

Sunday to Saturday  09:00 to 00:00

Christmas Eve  11:00 to 02:00

New Years Eve  11:00 to 02:00

Recorded Music

Sunday to Saturday  10:00 to 23:00

Sunday  10:30 to 23:00