Shortly before the scheduled start of the meeting, the police representative supplied more legible copies of the information submitted by the police on 18 November 2014 (previously published in a Supplementary Agenda).   The start of the meeting was delayed by about 10 minutes in order to allow time for these more legible copies to be copied and circulated to all members of the Sub-Committee and to all parties to the hearing.

Councillor John Sargeant was appointed Chair of the meeting.

None.

This was an Application for a Premises Licence for the above premises for late night refreshment only (excluding any alcohol sales) during the following times -
Sundays to Thursdays – 2300 to 0100; and
Fridays and Saturdays – 2300 to 0300.

Councillor John Sargeant opened the meeting and reminded all parties that the proceedings would be recorded.

All parties confirmed the accuracy of the papers circulated with regard to this application and statutory compliance with the notice requirements under the Licensing Act 2003.

All parties confirmed that there had been no resolution or settlement since the publication of the papers.

All parties confirmed that they had had sufficient time to read the recently circulated more legible copies of the information submitted by the Police on 18 November 2014 (referred to in Minute (1) above.)

Councillor John Sargeant then outlined the procedure to be followed.

Applicant

Mr Jeevanraj Gnanaratham (applicant) outlined his reasons for seeking the licence, including his wish to develop the business, and serve customers later in the evening, when he had observed that there were more people on the street, including those coming from clubs and bars.

In response to queries from Sgt Peter Sparham, Metropolitan Police, about possible problems arising from more people on the street at the times that Mr Gnanaratham now proposed to trade and coping with problem customers, Mr Gnanaratham indicated that generally his customers were quiet and didn’t cause a nuisance, and submitted that the training of his staff would deal with any problem customers, including keeping situations calm and avoiding arguments.

Mr Gnanaratham also indicated that the staff member, who had been the main cause of a previous incident at the premises, had been sacked.

In response to queries from Sgt Peter Sparham, Mr Gnanaratham indicated that it was proposed to serve the same food after 11pm, as was currently served before 11pm, but that alternative ways of cooking items such as chicken may be tried.

In response to queries from Sgt Peter Sparham about similar nearby establishments, Mr Gnanaratham indicated that they all closed at 11pm, apart from KFC, which was some way further down the road.

In response to queries from Stephen Beedell (Licensing Officer), Mr Gnanaratham clarified that he agreed to all of the police’s recommendations (as set out on agenda pages 33/34) except for the requirement that 2 door staff be employed on the premises when open beyond midnight.

The applicant referred to this application as a variation rather than a new Premises Licence. Guy Bishop (Legal) clarified for the benefit of the Committee that this was an application for a new Premises Licence for late night refreshment but that because premises did not need a Premises Licence for late night refreshment which explained why the applicant viewed the application as a variation. A Premises Licence is required for late night refreshment after 23.00 to 05.00.

Police

Sgt Peter Sparham drew attention to the information submitted by the police on 18 November 2014 (also referred to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.