Issue - meetings

The Chairman summarised the procedure for the Sub-Committee hearing. All those present were introduced or introduced themselves.

The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer presented his report covering an application for a new premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. The Sub-Committee was advised that on 1 April 2021, Dough Bites Four Ltd submitted an application for a new premises licence at Proove, 2nd Floor, 3 Parliament Square, Hertford, SG14 1EX. The application - which had been revised since the report was produced, following discussions with the Licensing Authority and Responsible Authorities - sought permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises and recorded music, Sunday – Wednesday, 12:00 – 00:00 and Thursday - Saturday, 12:00 – 01:00. It also sought permission for the provision of late night refreshments, Sunday – Wednesday, 23:00 – 00:30 and Thursday - Saturday, 12:00 – 01:00.

Members were advised that the applicant had proposed a number of steps that could be taken to promote the four licensing objectives, including, but not limited to the provision of SIA registered door staff, an internal and external CCTV system, with footage retained for 31 days, and a Challenge 25 policy. The applicant had agreed further conditions with Environmental Health and Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Members were advised that representations had been received from the Local Ward Councillor and 12 residents acting as interested parties, which engaged the prevention of public nuisance, the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives. The representations related to noise nuisance for neighbours and anti-social behaviour, as well as a lack of transport for those leaving the premises in the early hours.

The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer said that if the Sub-Committee believed that the licensing objectives would not be undermined then the application should be granted. Members were advised that if they believed that the application would not promote the four licensing objectives, they should take appropriate and proportionate action to address these concerns. The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer said that the Sub-Committee could attach conditions, limit the hours or restrict licensable activities. The application should only be refused as a last resort and the Members’ decision should be evidence based, justified, appropriate and proportionate.

Councillor Page asked whether the licence was for the whole or part of the second floor.

The applicant’s legal representative said that the licensed area would be most of the second floor, although there was a plant room and store room. She also indicated that the applicant’s intention was to move the store room by installing a stud wall. This would provide a buffer between the area where customers were and the party wall. This stud wall would also likely be where any acoustic installations would be to prevent sound transference, which would likely circumnavigate any heritage issues regarding the building.

Mr Betts (interested party) suggested that it would have been useful for Members to have conducted a site visit to see the issues regarding party  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12