Agenda item

A discussion took place on the outcome reached by the Sub Committee; a Member queried why the full ‘gold plated’ CCTV condition had been placed on the licence as it was a restaurant which could seat 60 people whereas Wetherspoons public house (referred to under Item 6) had a slightly less onerous CCTV condition. The Chairman of the Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committee pointed out that questions on the decision reached by the Sub Committee should be provided in advance in order for papers referring to the Hearing to be brought along to the committee. It was noted that the CCTV condition had been included as it may have been suggested by the applicant and agreed by both parties. The decision of the Sub Committee was to allow the supply of alcohol from 10:00 to 22:40 hours with the premises closing at 23:00 hours, a Member explained that a customer would need to pay their bill at 22:40 hours but would still be able to consume alcohol until 23:00 hours and therefore an unintended consequence may have been reached if the intention was for customers to cease drinking slightly earlier than the premises closed.

Members asked for appropriate guidance to be provided to any officer attending a Hearing from the Comptroller & City Solicitor’s department, who did not usually attend, to explain the implications of the decisions taken at a Hearing.

A discussion also took place on when the appropriation of the sale of alcohol took place i.e. either when the cash changes hands or when the bill is provided at the terminal hour. The Comptroller & City Solicitor undertook to provide some further guidance for Members ahead of the next committee meeting.