Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2016 were confirmed by the members present and then signed by the Chairman.

To receive any apologies of absence

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interests.

A.   APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE

The Sub-Committee were required to consider an application for a new premises licence for the following premises:

Common Ground Coffee
1 Chapel Croft
Chipperfield
Hertfordshire
WD4 9DT

The Chairman introduced herself, the members on the Sub-Committee and the officers present.

The Chairman asked the members of the Sub-Committee to confirm that they had read the agenda. Councillors Howard and Taylor confirmed they had read the documents at hand.

The Chairman asked S Mcdonald if she had anything to add to the report.

S Mcdonald said members had before them an application for the grant of a new premises licence for Common Ground Coffee, 1 Chapel Croft, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire. The application and accompanying documents were set out on page 6 of the agenda onwards. The applicant and those parties that had made representations had been invited to attend and address the sub-committee. One objector had confirmed that they were unable to attend but asked that their written representation, set out at Annex C2 of the report, be taken into account. With the exception of the applicant, no other confirmations of attendance had been received.

The options available to the sub-committee were set out at paragraph 4.1 of the report, and members were reminded that any steps taken should be considered appropriate in order to promote one or more of the licensing objectives. Furthermore, the sub-committee needed to give clear reasons for any decision made.

The Chairman asked the applicants if they wish to add anything to the report.

N Tachmintzis started his submission by giving Members some  background information about  the premises, which was an independent coffee shop and a small eatery.  All produce was fresh and employment was sourced from local people. The premises opened in August 2015 as it was clear that this type of business was lacking in the local area. The premises was  situated next to the off licence and a short distance from the Post Office.

The premises offered a new dining experience and tapas nights on Thursday and Friday eveningswere proposed to be a regular feature as they were not available elsewhere. The reason for the licence would be to provide casual drinks to accompany food and most residents were supportive – the applicant had a petition of 150 verified signatures in support of the proposals. The customer base was intended to be high end and to target a mid range age group so the idea was not to compete with the local pubs. There was also a need for the coffee shop to have an alternative revenue stream which an alcohol licence could provide.

N Tachmintzis ran through the licensing objectives and how the business would ensure they were upheld:

-       Public safety – there was a CCTV camera located at the front, rear and side of the building, recording at all times , andexternal and internal lighting. A log book would be kept for inspections as well as records for those trying to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.