Issue - meetings

Proposal:     Application for Premises Licence 

Location:      Newbury College, New Build, Monks Lane, Newbury, RG14 7TD

Applicant:     Marstons Plc

NOTICE OF DECISION

The Licensing Sub-Committee of West Berkshire Council met on 13^th August 2014 and resolved to approve Application 14/01053/LQN in respect of premises known as Newbury College, New build, Monks Lane, Newbury, RG14 7TD subject to a number of conditions which are set out below.

In coming to their decision, the Sub-Committee had regard to the four licensing objectives, which are:

1.                 the prevention of crime and disorder;

2.                 public safety;

3.                 the prevention of public nuisance; and

4.                 the protection of children from harm.

They also considered the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Guidance on the Licensing Act 2003 (issued in June 2014) and West Berkshire Council’s Licensing Policy.

In determining the Application the Sub-Committee considered all of the relevant evidence and information presented to it, both written and oral.  The Sub-Committee heard representations made by:

1.                  The Applicants: Mr John Gaunt (Solicitor), Mr John McElholm (Acquisitions Surveryor) and Mr Dave Walker (Project Manager) on behalf Marstons PLC

2.                  The Objectors: Councillor Alan Agutter, Greenham Parish Council

Decision:

Having taken those representations into account, the Licensing Sub-Committee RESOLVED that Application 14/01053/LQN be granted subject to the conditions as in the operating schedule and any relevant mandatory conditions in ss19-21 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Reasons:

The Sub-Committee in reaching their decision noted that the Objector had indicated concerns on the basis of all four licensing objectives.  However, the Sub-Committee did not consider that the objections raised were supported by evidence which would be sufficient to justify either refusal of the licence or the imposition of any additional conditions to those referred to above.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee also noted that none of the Responsible Authorities had raised objections to the Application on the grounds of public safety, the protection of children from harm, crime and disorder or public nuisance.

The Sub-Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 2(1)) concerning Licensing Application No. 14/01053/LQN submitted by Marstons Plc in respect of premises at Newbury College, New Build, Monks Lane, Newbury, RG14 7TD.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Emilia Matheou (Licensing Officer, West Berkshire Council), Mr John Gaunt, Mr John McElholm and Mr Dave Walker (representing the Applicant) and Councillor Alan Agutter, Greenham Parish Council (objector) addressed the Sub-Committee on this application.

Ms Matheou, in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·          West Berkshire Council’s Licensing Service received an application made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for a new premises licence to be granted for the premises at Newbury College, New Build, Monks Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7TD.  The application was submitted on 25^th June 2014.

·          The Responsible Authorities had been advised of the application on 25^th June 2014.

·          The application was for the sale by retail of alcohol (both on and off premises sales), Monday to Thursday from 10.00 to midnight, Friday and Saturday 10.00 to 01:00 and Sunday 11:00 to midnight. Regulated entertainment (Films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music and performances of dance) and the provision of Late Night Refreshment had been applied for based on the same timings as the sale of alcohol.

·          The 28 day consultation period ran until 23^rd July 2014.

·          The application had been advertised in accordance with the regulations with blue notices displayed at the premises (witnessed by an officer on 1^st July 2014) and by publishing in a local newspaper, the Newbury Weekly News on 3^rd July 2014.

·          During the statutory consultation period, representations had been received from Greenham Parish Council on 9^th July 2014.

·          No representations had been received from the Responsible Authorities.

·          No information had been received to indicate that mediation had taken place.

Mr John Gaunt (representing the applicant) requested that copies of the proposed food menu for the premises and the Marston’s Inns and Taverns Alcohol and Social Responsibility Statement be given to the Sub-Committee. With the agreement of the Sub-Committee and Councillor Alan Agutter, the objector, copies of the above documents were circulated.

Mr John Gaunt (representing the applicant), in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·        Marston’s Plc had opened around 20-25 new pubs a year over the last five years, nation wide. The establishments were all traditional food led operations with the emphasis heavily on the dining element of the trade. For this reason, the applicant was happy with the request for regulated entertainment to be limited to no more than 12 occasions a year, mainly during the festive season.

·        Based on the sales figures of other Marston’s premises, it was anticipated that the trade of the new establishment would be broken down as follows:

70% - food sales

20% - alcohol sales

10% - soft drink and coffee sales

Only 3-6% of the total sales were expected to be from stand alone drinkers.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2