Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members.

There were no declarations of interest received.

Proposal:     Application for a Premises Licence

Location:      Spoons Coffee Shop, 7 The Colonnade, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6PR

Applicant:     Ms Michelle Spooner

NOTICE OF DECISION

The Licensing Sub-Committee of West Berkshire Council met on 24^th September 2019 and resolved to approve Application 19/00975/LQN in respect of Spoons Coffee Shop, 7 The Colonnade, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6PR 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 and West Berkshire Council’s licensing policy.

There were no oral representations made to the Sub-Committee.

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the representations of the following who did not attend:

1.  The Applicant: Ms Michelle Spooner
2.  The Objector: Ms Theresa Page

Decision

Having taken those representations into account, the Licensing Sub-Committee RESOLVED that Application 19/00975LQN be granted subject to the conditions as set out in the operating schedule, including conditions agreed with Thames Valley Police as a Responsible Authority, and any relevant mandatory conditions as prescribed by the Licensing Act 2003 or secondary legislation.

Reasons

1.            The Sub- Committee noted that the Council as Licensing Authority must determine each application under the Licensing Act 2003 on its merits, and every decision must be justified and proportionate based on the available evidence

2.            The Sub Committee noted that the representation received had indicated concerns on the basis of all four licensing objectives. However, the Sub Committee did not consider that the objection to this Application raised was supported by evidence which would be sufficient to justify refusal of the Licence or the imposition of any additional conditions to those referred to above. It was noted that the objector referred in part to historical concerns, but that the application was in effect for a new licensed premises

3.            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 19/00975/LQN in respect of Spoons Coffee Shop, 7 The Colonnade, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6PR.

The Sub-Committee noted that neither the applicant, Ms Michelle Spooner nor the objector, Ms Theresa Page were in attendance.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Amanda Ward (Licensing Officer, West Berkshire Council) addressed the Sub-Committee on this application.

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

·         The application (19/00975/LQN) was received on 26^th July 2019. The 28 day consultation period ran from 27^th July 2019 to 27^th August 2019. The Responsible Authorities, Ward Members and the Parish Council had been advised of the consultation by email on the 29^th July 2019 which was the next working day following receipt of the application.

·         The Applicant had requested that the blue notices be posted to her, hence there being a slightly longer consultation period than the prescribed 28 days to allow for the post.

·         Spoons Coffee Shop served food and drinks to eat in or take away. The opening hours of the Coffee Shop were Monday to Friday from 0700 to 1600 and Saturday from 0800 to 1300.
 

• The application was for the supply of alcohol (on and off the premises) Monday to Friday from 0700 to 1600 and on Saturday from 0800 to 1300.

·         The application had been advertised in accordance with the regulations, with the required blue notices being placed at the premises and an advert placed in the Reading Chronicle on the 1^st August 2019.  The notice had been checked by an officer from the Public Protection Partnership on 2^nd August 2019 who had confirmed that the notice had been displayed at the premise.

·         During the statutory consultation period of 28 days there had been one representation received from an objector, Theresa Page a resident. The representation related to all 4 of the licensing objectives - the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

·         Mediation had been attempted by officers in the Licensing Team, however the objector requested that her representation be referred to the Licensing Sub-Committee for consideration.

·         The Sub-Committee noted that Thames Valley Police had agreed conditions with the applicant.  The licensing authority had received confirmation from the applicant that the conditions agreed with the Thames Valley Police could be attached to the licence if it was granted.

·         No relevant representations were received from the other Responsible Authorities.

·         The application was discussed at a full meeting of Tilehurst Parish Council. Confirmation was received to the licensing authority on 16^th August 2019, that whilst Members of the Parish Council had no objection or adverse comments to the application, they did conclude that they would not wish to see the opening times extended in the future.  

In response to a question from Councillor James Cole, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Amanda Ward, Licensing Officer said she had no issues with the application. Amanda  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.