Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Cronin be appointed Chair.

COUNCILLOR CRONIN IN THE CHAIR

None.

To consider and determine an application for grant of a premises licence in respect of Unit 1B, Abbotsbury Court, St Peter’s Drive, Worcester WR5 3TA.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence in respect of Unit 1B Abbotsbury Court, St Peter’s Drive, Worcester WR5 3TA.

At the start of the meeting, the Chair made the following statement:

“Presentations to the Sub-Committee are not given under oath. However, I would like to remind all parties that the highest standards are expected and any deviation from these high standards could possibly influence any decision of the Sub-Committee.”

All parties at the hearing were introduced. The applicant, Mr Connor McDiarmid confirmed he was aware of his right to have legal representation at the meeting but had chosen not to. He was accompanied by his mother, Susan McDiarmid, a shareholder in the business. Mr McDiarmid confirmed he was satisfied with the proposed procedure.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing presented the report on behalf of Worcestershire Regulatory Services. The Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that WRS received an application for a premises licence on 24 May 2021 from Ale Hub Ltd. The applicant applied for the following licensable activities:

The designated premises supervisor identified in the application was Mr Connor McDiarmid.

Responsible authorities had been consulted regarding the application. No objections were received. Two representations were received from other persons. The representations made mention of concerns linked to the licensing objective of prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder.

In summary, the Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that in

considering the application, the Sub-Committee should have regard to the

Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. The

Sub-Committee is obliged to determine this application with a view to the

promotion of the licensing objectives which are:

•          the prevention of crime and disorder;

•          public safety;

•          the prevention of public nuisance;

•          the protection of children from harm.

All parties were offered the opportunity to ask questions of the Senior Practitioner – Licensing.

Mr McDiarmid explained that he already had Micro-pub premises in Solihull and Shirley, and hoped to run a similar business in Worcester. His existing premises were mostly frequented by the over 35 market. Mr McDiarmid stated that he enjoyed a good relationship with surrounding businesses and residents in Solihull and Shirley.

Mr McDiarmid circulated still images from his existing premises to the Sub-Committee and explained that if the licence was granted, the Worcester premises would have a similar lay out and ambience. There would be no television or fruit machines on the premises. The drink offer would be 4 different ales, 2 craft beers, cider and one lager.

Mr McDiarmid further explained that the St Peter’s location had been chosen because there were no existing pubs close by other than those which were mostly focused on a food offer.

Mr McDiarmid was committed to being a responsible licence holder. Under 18’s would not be admitted to the premises after 6pm, and CCTV would be installed. Signs would be placed outside the premises asking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.