Agenda item
Application by Wayout Dreams Community Project Limited for a variation of the premises licence for '71-73 High Street' (London, NW10 4NS) pursuant to the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003
- Meeting of Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee (B), Thursday 27 February 2014 2.00 pm (Item 4.)
- View the background to item 4.
Decision:
That the application by Wayout Dreams Community Project Limited for a variation of the premises licence for 71-73 high street NW10 4NS be approved subject to the following conditions being added to the licence:
1) Notices advertising the number of a local licensed taxi service shall be displayed in a prominent position in the premises.
2) Facilities within the premises shall be made available for customers to await taxis.
The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee (B) felt that there was no evidence in the written representations submitted to suggest that the application would undermine the licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, prevent of public nuisance, ensuring public safety and protection of children from harm) and accordingly the application was agreed.
Minutes:
The Senior Regulatory Services Manager informed the sub committee that an application by Wayout Dreams Community Project Limited for a variation of the premises licence for '71-73 High Street' (London, NW10 4NS) had been received with objections presented by local residents. The Legal Advisor clarified that the process to be followed was a fair and democratic process.
The applicant was invited to speak and made the following points:
· The application was to extend the hours to sell alcohol
· The premises was a self funded community centre and all profits went back into the centre
· The premises had previously had their licence reduce and subsequently the premises had changed the nature of its business and customer base
· The majority of current customers were members living in the vicinity or guests of members
· The community centre offered a gym, dance classes, catered for events such as weddings or christenings as well as fundraising
· There had been over 30 events in the past 3.5 years which had all been successful following working closely with the local police
· There had not been any issues with immediate neighbours regarding the events held
· It would not be cost effective to hold events regularly and would be to enable occasions such as weddings to be celebrated a little longer and for the community centre to be sustainable in the current financial climate
· Events that served alcohol had tight alcohol controls and SIA door staff were always present and to the required standard
During questions of the applicant the following points were clarified:
· The applicant currently received funding but due to the ending of many government grants wished to become self funded and sustainable for the future
· Members attended many daytime activities at the centre and the applicants knew most using the centre
· There was a residential property adjacent to the premises although there had never been any complaints received and had complied with advice from the noise pollution team for TENS
· There had previously been incidents of antisocial behaviour in the past which had been resolved in changes to use of the premises and clientele
· They had learnt their lesson from the previous reduction in licensing hours and had changed the business to a successful community venue with a new management team
Councillor Hector was invited to speak and raised the following concerns:
· She had received a number of complaints and concerns from local residents
· Residents were concerned that if granted, the premises would revert back to its old ways
· Residents had highlighted issues of dispersal at the end of the night with many persons waiting for public transport or loitering until the tube recommenced
· Cars often played loud music outside and rubbish would be left by patrons leaving the premises after purchasing food
· There was concern over children being exposed to alcohol and crime and disorder should the premises hold christenings and birthday parties
During questions of Councillor Hector, the following points were clarified:
· Many of the residents concerns were based on past events and it was unclear whether they were linked to the premises or other late night venues in the vicinity
· It was unclear whether the previous late opening was the reason for issues in the past as the area was a crime hot spot
· Residents had raised disturbances at local meetings recently although it was unclear whether this was in reaction to the hearing notices
· Residents had not given details of any specific incidents but raised general concerns particularly as there local licensing officer had left
The Legal Advisor highlighted that previous incidents had to be disregarded from the sub committees decision making. The Senior Regulatory Services Manager advised that all licensing officer posts were full and the police had seen the list of conditions and not made a representation to the application. The applicant clarified that no complaints had been received over the events held in the past three years and they were happy to work with residents to resolve any issues should they occur.
In summary the applicant explained that the premises was a community centre and not a night club and had held events successfully for the past three years. He stated that many attendees were known to the premises and the intention was not to hold regularly events but to ensure the financial survival of the community centre.
Councillor Hector concluded that their was a distinct impression of ongoing problems with the establishment and a fear of the previous issues reoccurring should the hours be extended. She reiterated concerns of children being exposed to alcohol at events such as Christenings and weddings.
RESOLVED:
That the application by Wayout Dreams Community Project Limited for a variation of the premises licence for 71-73 high street NW10 4ns be approved subject to the following conditions:
1) Notices advertising the number of a local licensed taxi service shall be displayed in a prominent position.
2) Facilities within the premises shall be made available for customers to await taxis.
Supporting documents:
- Wayout Dreams - Covering Report, item 4. PDF 44 KB
- Wayout Dreams - Application, item 4. PDF 297 KB
- Wayout Dreams - Rep1, item 4. PDF 56 KB
- Wayout Dreams - Reps2, item 4. PDF 187 KB
- Wayout Dreams - Rep3, item 4. PDF 64 KB
- Wayout Dreams - Plan, item 4. PDF 1 MB
- Wayout Dreams - Old_Licence, item 4. PDF 886 KB