Agenda and minutes

The sub committee appointed Councillor Smith as chair for the meeting.  

Councillors Rosenstiel and Smith declared a personal interest in the application, due to the proximity of the registered address of the applicant (22 Signet Court) and the City Liberal Democrat HQ (16 Signet Court). Both Councillors confirmed that they had had no contact with the applicant. 

All parties noted the procedure.

The committee received a report from the Assistant Licensing Officer, requesting consideration of an application for a premises licence for Klub Polski Gawra, 231 Chesterton Road.  The Assistant Licensing Officer explained that a hearing was required due to 24 representations from interested parties.

The Assistant Licensing Officer explained that the premises had been granted a time limited licence from 17^th March 2008 through to 31^st May 2012.

The committee asked the Assistant Licensing Officer the following questions;

i.                    Clarification on the reasons for the time limited nature of the existing licence was requested. The Assistant Licensing Officer explained that it would have been the decision of the committee on 17^th March 2008, based on the evidence received.

ii.                  The Assistant Licensing Officer was asked about the apparent contradiction in the licence, which permitted off sales, and then restricted sales solely to individuals purchasing table meals.  Following discussion it was established that the off sales element was designed to allow the transfer of alcohol from the main restaurant to the beer garden which involved leaving the licensed premises (and travel through an unlicensed part of the building).

In response to an interjection from a member of the public, the Chair explained the meaning and application of the cumulative impact policy.

Applicant

Mr Sylwester Iwaniec addressed the committee in support of the application and made the following points

i.                    The reduced number of representations compared with 2008 was a reflection of the improved management of the premises.

ii.                  Some of the representations focussed on issues outside the control of premises such as parking.

iii.                The improved management of the premises was highlighted. Mr Iwaniec explained that he had managed the premises for 5 years and he had transformed the premises from an undesirable drinking establishment serving predominantly cheap Polish vodka and beer, to a pleasant restaurant.

iv.               Mr Iwaniec questioned the noise impact of removing the restrictions on the use of the beer garden. It was suggested that the noise generated by Chesterton Road would be more significant.

The committee asked the following questions

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i.                                The applicant was asked whether he was willing to accept the principle of the use of the beer garden being restricted to sunset.      The applicant confirmed that he was willing to accept the condition

ii.                              The applicant was asked regarding his future plans for the premises, specifically in relation to the provision of off sales other than use of the garden. The applicant explained that it was his intention to import Polish wine in the future, and sell it customers of the restaurant.

iii.                The applicant was questioned regarding the admission policy for the venue. The applicant explained that the club operated a membership policy. Following discussion it was established that it was not a legal requirement for the club to operate this policy, because it was licensed as a premises rather than a club. The applicant also confirmed that membership was available on the same day, and that over the past four  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.