RESOLVED: That Councillor David Simpson be elected Chair for this meeting.

No apologies were submitted.

No declarations were made.

Steve Burnett, the applicant’s legal representative, addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant.  He advised that the variation application had been significantly amended, and described the changes in detail.  He confirmed that since the amendments had been made, the majority of representations had been withdrawn, with only three remaining; from Councillor Chirico, Mr and Mrs Warner and M Moussa. 

In response to questions, Steve Burnett advised that persons who are residents of the accommodation at the premises shall be required to show staff their key in order to buy alcohol for consumption off the premises. 

When invited to comment, the Licensing Officer, Stephen Beedell reminded the Sub-Committee of their obligations when considering an application in a Cumulative Impact Zone, as outlined in Section 7 of Merton’s Statement of Licensing policy. 

The Sub-Committee retired into private session at 2.15 pm in order to take legal advice and make a decision.

The meeting reconvened at 2.25 pm.  The Legal Officer, Guy Bishop reported that he had advised the Sub-Committee on Section 146 of the Licensing Act. 

The Chair relayed the Sub-Committee’s decision, as follows:

RESOLVED:  To grant the variation application as amended.