Issue - meetings

An application under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 to apply for a Premises Licence with respect to Cambridge Taproom had been received from Cambridge Taproom Ltd. The Environmental Health and Licensing Support Team Leader presented the report and outlined the application.

In response to Member’s questions the Environmental Health and Licensing Support Team Leader said the following:

      i.         If the licence was granted there was a condition attached that off sales for takeaway customers would cease at 9pm, Friday and Saturday. This was to negate a negative impact to the area. However, this could be written into the decision.

    ii.         Both Licensing and Democratic Services had not received any notification (completed LAR1 form) that the objector (Kings Street Neighbourhood Association) had applied to attend this meeting and address the Committee in person.

   iii.         There was no City Council policy restricting the number of outlets for the consumption of alcohol within the Council’s area of control. The onus was on the applicant to demonstrate why the granting of the licence would not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area.

  iv.         Within the Statement of Licensing Policy there was no assertion that the City Council should promote the long-term health of the public with respect to alcohol-related illnesses.

    v.         The Health Service, as a responsible authority had been notified of the application and had an opportunity to make comment.

  vi.         The prevention of public nuisance was a licensing objective that the Committee should factor when considering the application.

 vii.         There had been no previous premise licence at this specific address.

viii.         The applicant had applied to play recorded music between the hours as applied for; DJ’s qualified under the banner of recorded music.

The Applicant advised that four new units had been built on the original façade of the site, one of which was for the applicant.

Applicant’s Presentation

      i.         Had undertaken correspondence and conversations with Cambridgeshire Constabulary Licensing Officer, PC Metcalfe, to understand the Cumulative Impact Area, the type of licenced premises on Kings Street and the surrounding area.

    ii.         If the application was granted this would be the sixth licenced premises on the street.

   iii.         The business was a craft beer establishment which offered a different way of alcohol consumption which was not linked to high volume drinking or binge drinking. Prices would be at a premium.

  iv.         Owned the same business model, The Hop Box, Ware, East  Hertfordshire, the average customer would visit for an average of 45 minutes for two drinks, usually half pints or thirds. Typically, the customer would then browse the fridge for take away options.

    v.         The fridge would mirror what was on draft and the customer would usually take one or two cans home with them.

  vi.         Through speaking with PC Metcalfe, it had been decided that the 9pm cutoff for off-sales,  Friday and Saturday, would have a positive impact to the Cumulative Impact Area. The average price of a takeaway can was £6. For a similar price  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29