Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Mrs L Hodgson be appointed Chair.

COUNCILLOR MRS L. HODGSON IN THE CHAIR

None.

To consider and determine an application for a premises licence in respect of Labyrinth, 15A Reindeer Court, Mealcheapen Street, Worcester WR1 2DS.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Labyrinth (‘the Premises’), 15A Reindeer Court, Mealcheapen Street, Worcester.

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 was represented by a solicitor, Mr Andrew Woods. Mr Woods confirmed he was satisfied with the proposed procedure on the Applicant’s behalf. Also in attendance for the Applicant were Ms Rebecca Arnold, Operations Director, and Mr Robbie Mills, Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

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 for the following licensable activities on 29 June 2022:

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing noted that no representations had been received from responsible authorities regarding the application, however they had been made aware that West Mercia Police raised concerns directly with the applicant regarding their trading hours, due to the possibility of an increased chance of anti-social behaviour and disorder in the area.  Between the applicant and police, a reduced sale of alcohol time and closing time had been agreed.

The Applicant had originally applied for an alcohol licence until 4am and a closing time of 4.30am, this had subsequently been amended to 3.45am and 4.15am respectively, following discussions with Police.

A number of representations had been received from nearby residents and businesses, objecting to the application on a number of grounds. The Senior Practitioner, Licensing confirmed that the Sub-Committee is obliged to determine the application with a view to the promotion of the licensing objectives which are:

·        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. The Applicant’s solicitor was then invited to make representations on behalf of the Applicant.

Mr Woods advised the Sub-Committee that there had been a nightclub in operation at the Premises for a number of years, and that Epic Bars had taken over in May 2022. They wished to amend the layout of the club and extend their opening hours to be in line with their competitors. They had been trading in line with the previous premises’ licenced hours to date, and were now seeking an extension, which would amount to an additional 30 minutes on current opening hours.

Mr Woods informed the Sub-Committee that Epic Bars had been in business for 25 years, and currently ran 35 premises. They were keen to work closely with local residents and authorities. They had implemented a number of additional welfare measures since taking over the Premises, including additional CCTV, additional toilet provision, and an on-site medic who acted as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.