The Interim Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services will present a report (Document “D”) which outlines an application for the grant of a premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Members are invited to consider the information and documents referred to in this report and, after hearing interested parties, determine the related application.

(Melanie McGurk – 01274 432240)

The Interim Assistant Director Waste, Fleet and Transport Services presented a report (Document “D”) which outlined an application for the grant of a premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises at Denholme Mechanics Institute.

The licensing officer in attendance summarised the background to the application; steps proposed by the applicant to address licensing objectives and valid representations received as set out in the report.

Three letters of representation had been received from local residents who had concerns about the potential for underage sales and alcohol being available whilst children’s clubs were taking place.  Concerns were also raised regarding noise nuisance and customers being allowed to stand on the fire escape. 

A letter of support had also been received from the Chair of the Community Centre stating he was not aware of any evidence that the applicant was unfit to hold and manage a licence and reaffirming support for the application. 

The letters were appended to the report.

The applicant’s legal representative circulated additional information which had been prepared in support of the application and previously circulated to Members and which had been circulated to those people who had objected to the application.  The documents circulated included an overview document providing additional information on the proposed activities; press and social media reports/reviews, letters of support from local residents; examples of staff training records and photographs depicting the public notice in situ regarding the application.  Revised and expanded proposed conditions were also provided.

The applicant’s legal representative addressed the meeting and introduced the applicant and two members of the management committee of Denholme Mechanics Institute.  He explained that he would present the applicant’s case; he would not be calling witnesses but the applicant and members of the management committee were present to answer any questions which Members may have.

He referred to the contents of the additional papers circulated; press releases depicting the premises use as a vital community facility; training undertaken by staff members and letters of support form local residents

It was explained that the building was no longer funded by the Council following an asset transfer to Denholme Mechanics Institute Trust in 2017.   He reported that the applicant had commenced activities for children as there were no other events available in the village.  The sessions had commenced initially as art based activity classes, known as Mini Creations, for children and teenagers to provide a safe and creative environment for them in the locality.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.