The Democratic Services Officer confirmed that the Sub-Committee would comprise Councillors Saffery, Stanton and Rodrigues.

The Sub-Committee was asked to elect a Chair for the Hearing.

RESOLVED –

that Councillor Saffery be elected Chair for this Hearing.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The Licensing Officer confirmed that all parties expected were present.  There were several preliminary matters for members' attention:

·      One objector would have to leave by 11.30.

·      Part B of the agenda, which was comprised of photos to be distributed to the sub-committee, applicant and interested parties.  The photos were to be returned to Democratic Services at the end of the committee.

·      An omission in the report, appendix 3R and appendix 4C.

·      In support of the application, four letters had been received.  They were circulated to the committee, and all parties were notified.

·      A video link received as part of an objection was circulated to the committee and legal representative via a secure transfer portal.

·      The interested parties had decided to represent themselves, and therefore Councillor Martins was no longer a representative on behalf of the residents.

There was a short adjournment for the photos to be reviewed by those present.

Introduction to the application

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Licensing Officer, which outlined an application for a new premises licence for SSS Food & Drink, 98 Queens Road, Watford, under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the sale of alcohol for retail consumption off the premises.  The officer directed the committee to page six of the report, which had further detail on the application.  Following a discussion with the Police, the applicant had amended the opening hours to 8 am to 11 pm.  The conditions of the application were outlined in paragraph 9.4.

Under policy LP2, the premises fell within a residential area.  The area was a mix of commercial and residential properties with residential flats opposite the premises.  The premises fell within the Queens Road Sensitive Licensing Area (policy LP4).

The Licensing officer concluded that there was no presumption for the application to be refused.

There were 30 representations received from members of the public with concerns regarding the following: public nuisance, protection of children from harm and public safety.    Also, four representations were received in favour of the application.  There had been no representations from any of the Responsible Authorities.

The Licensing Officer summarised the three options for the licensing sub-committee; to grant the application in full, modify the conditions of the licence or reject the whole or part of the application and to provide the reasons for this decision.

There were no questions from members to the Licensing Officer.

In response to questions from the applicant's representative, Mr Panchal, the Chair responded that the relevance of the photos submitted was that it was part of representation 3AC, it was for the committee to attach weight to the photos as they saw fit.

There were no questions from those making representations to the Licensing Officer.

There were no questions from the council's legal advisor to the Licensing Officer.

Representations

Mr Amer Hassan introduced his representation.  He raised an issue regarding the second location at Ascot Road, which would supply alcohol to the Queens Road address.  His concern was regarding the regulation of the second  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.