Issue - meetings

The Sub-Committee considered very carefully the application as submitted for a new premises licence at Ondrop, Front Unit, Henty Road, Southampton, SO16 4GF.

It has given due regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Licensing Objectives, statutory guidance, and the adopted statement of Licensing Policy. The Human Rights Act 1998, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010 were borne in mind whilst making the decision. Representations by all the parties present at the hearing as well as written representations were also fully taken into consideration.

The Sub-Committee made its decision on the basis of all of the evidence submitted, both in writing and given orally at the Hearing.

The Sub-Committee noted that Hampshire Constabulary (Licensing), Environmental Health and thirty-nine residents had submitted representations. It also noted that conditions had been agreed by Hampshire Constabulary and Environmental Health with the Applicant. No other responsible authorities had made representations.

At the outset the Applicant amended the application so that the licensable activity of supply of alcohol was sought for the following hours:

Wednesday and Thursday 8-00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m. the following morning;

Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 05:00 a.m. the following morning.

The Sub-Committee heard oral evidence from the applicant, from several of the residents, and two councillors. The written representations were also considered.

Having considered all of the above, the Sub-Committee has:

RESOLVED to grant the premises license in accordance with the amended application and subject to the conditions agreed with Hampshire Constabulary and Environmental Health. These are set out in the email from Matt Taylor of Environmental Health to the applicant dated 23^rd February 2024 and the email from PC Dimmer to the applicant dated 15^th February 2024. An amendment was made to the hours for the supply of alcohol so that the hours granted

 are :

Wednesday and Thursday 8-00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m. the following morning;

Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 05:00 a.m. the following morning.

Reasons

This was an application for a new premises in an industrial unit located in a residential area.

The Sub-Committee received legal advice that the legislation had a presumption of grant of a licence, so that it can only refuse the application if concerns raised cannot be met by conditions. Advice was also received that in line with the statutory guidance as responsible authorities Hampshire Constabulary and Environmental Health should be deemed to be experts in their field. Both agreed conditions which in their view met the licensing objectives. Legal advice was also provided that speculation as to what might happen if the application was granted could not be taken into account

The Sub-Committee has carefully considered the written objections, oral representations, and the representations in support of the application.

Generally, residents are concerned that the grant of a Premises Licence will lead to an increase in public nuisance, crime and anti-social behaviour as well as a risk of harm to children.

The Sub-Committee has considered all representations but concludes that there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54