Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the last meeting held on 9 November 2021 were agreed by the members present.

To receive any apologies for absence

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interests.

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

Musette Café Limited

Church Farm, Station Road

Aldbury

Hertfordshire

HP23 5RS

The Chairman introduced everyone.

The Chairman asked if all legal requirements had been complied with.  P. Wortley confirmed they had. The Chairman asked P. Wortley to introduce the application.

The application was for a grant of a premises licence in respect of the sale of alcohol.  The application has been submitted in the correct format, advertised as required (28 days) and all fees have been paid.

The application is for sale of alcohol by retail from 11.00 am to 23.00 hrs Monday to Sunday.  The premises opening hours are 8:30 am to 23:00 hrs Monday to Sunday.  There is one objection against the application and five in support.

The Chairman asked if there were any questions and there were none.

The Chairman then asked the Applicant to introduce themselves and who representing the café.  Simon Voyse is the Applicant and Rob Edge is the Applicant’s Representative.

The Chairman then asked the Objectors to introduce themselves.  Micheal Pearce and his wife Alexander Pearce and who own Church Farm House which is immediately next door to the café.

The Chairman then asked the Applicant to introduce the application.  Rob Edge introduced the application as set out in the Licensing Act 2003.  The Council’s statement of Licensing Policy and the Home Office Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Act.  R. Edge stated that in accordance with 9.5 of the Council’s statement of Licensing Policy, R. Edge has attempted to mediate with M. Pearce on 16 November and again on 24 November.  The applicant has invested in excess of £35,000 in the refurbishment of the café and kitchen ensuring it is state of the art and has a fully compliant extraction system in place to remove odours and reduce noise.  The premises have been inspected twice by Environmental Health and have received a five star award for their hygiene practices.

The refurbishment has transformed a once dull building into a beautiful focal point that people will talk about for all of the right reasons.  The premises has also created job opportunities for local people.  Mr Voyse has always tried to make the business something special for his patrons, whether they are cyclists or local families and the farm and neighbours.  This can be seen by the letters of support from local residents for the granting of this application.  The intention is for the café to set a benchmark for a contemporary “Shabby Chic” place in the area and beyond offering fine wines and a selection sparling drinks.  The Licensing of this premises is something that has been taken very seriously by the owners.  The owners employed a Licensing consultant to complete the process and offer their guidance on compliance with the Licensing Act 2003.

It is intended to be a go to place for families as a hub for the community.  It should be noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.