Agenda item

LSC.08/23         

The Sub-Committee considered a report that sought to determine an application for a new premises licence at Lounge, 6 The Plains, Totnes, TQ9 5DR in accordance with Section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Principal Licensing Officer introduced the report and outlined the details of the application (as stated in the application form at Appendices A(i), A(ii), B and C and additional information.  The Principal Licensing Officer reminded the Sub-Committee that its decision had to be based upon the four licensing objectives.

1.         Address by the Applicant

The Applicant reported that there were over 200 lounges across England and Wales.  The Lounge concept was a food led operation and not a pub or bar.  They engage with the local community and charities and have liaised with the Police and Environmental Health.  They were aware of the 4 representations from local residents and hoped the changes made would have negated the need for a hearing.  This was a town centre location with residents living close by and did not expect noise breakout because there would be a gradual process for people dispersing from the premises.  Music played at the Lounge would be background music.  People generally visit the Lounge to eat.  There were very few places to eat in Totnes and the Lounge would be a welcomed contribution to the area.   The Lounge would be employing 25 local people.  The outside area would be used up until 10 pm, the tables and chairs would be rendered unusable after this time.

(The Sub Committee then adjourned, in the presence of the Monitoring Officer, and Senior Democratic Services Officer at 2.24 pm to consider the application and reconvened at 2.44 pm.)

2.         The Decision

In announcing the Sub-Committee decision, the following statement was read:

We have considered the application for a new premises licence.

We have considered the Statement of Licensing Policy, the government guidance and our obligations that relate to the promotion of the licensing objectives.

We have read carefully the written representations from all parties, plus additional statements from persons here today. We have also considered the additional conditions proposed by Environmental Health and accepted by the Applicant.

It is our decision to:

Grant the application as amended by the additional conditions agreed with environmental health.

The reasons for our decision are as follows:

We have considered the application and representations from members of the public. We note the amendments to the original application, which are welcome. On balance we believe that the application as amended supports the four licensing objectives and complies with SHDC policies.  We note residents’ concerns and would remind the applicant that should issues of noise, disturbance or other nuisance arise the licence may be reviewed.

The full written decision would be sent out within five working days.