Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting and the Chairman to present and explain the procedure for the meeting.

Proposed by Cllr Starr, seconded by Cllr Somper.

Decision: that Cllr Beer be elected as chair for the duration of the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

An application has been made for a new Premises Licence for the Cranbourne Hundred, formerly known as the Smugglers Haunt, Ringwood Road, Ferndown. The application has been out to public consultation, and a representation has been received. A Licensing Sub-Committee must consider the application and representation at a public hearing.

The Senior Licensing Officer explained that this was an application for a new premises licence. She said the current licence had been transferred to J D Wetherspoon and will be surrendered. She outlined the application which was for the sale of alcohol from 0800-0030 Sunday – Wednesday and 0800-0100 Thursday to Saturday and for the provision of late-night refreshment 2300-0030 Sunday – Wednesday and 2300-0100 Thursday to Saturday with extended hours on specific days and for both activities on and off the premises. She said that the Police had requested a number of additional conditions which had been agreed with the applicant. She also said that there had been two representations; one from Ferndown Town Council in support of the application; and one from a member of the public objecting on grounds that the increased hours were likely to increase noise and disturbance in the neighbourhood.

The Sub-Committee was addressed by Ms Doyle, Solicitor for the Applicant.

She explained that the application was for a new Premises Licence in respect of premises acquired by J D Wetherspoon plc in June 2006, which would operate under the name The Cranborne Hundred. The application sought authorisation for the licensable activities until 12:30 am Sunday – Wednesday and unill 1am on other days. Ms Doyle advised that Wetherspoon was at the forefront of developments within the licensed trade and had extensive experience in the operation of public houses. She described the premises as a traditional Wetherspoon pub, with a main customer area, toilet facilities, a lobby entrance and an extended seating area appropriate to its town centre location.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the premises would be family friendly and would cater for a broad range of customers rather than attracting any particular clientele. Ms Doyle noted that the company did not operate happy hour promotions and that meals were marketed with accompanying drinks offers in a responsible manner. She stated that Wetherspoon premises rarely reached full capacity and that the operating schedule provided sufficient flexibility to manage the business effectively.

Addressing concerns regarding noise and anti-social behaviour, Ms Doyle submitted that such issues were not generally associated with Wetherspoon premises, which were recognised as being well run and well managed. She confirmed that the applicant was willing to engage positively with local residents and would make management contact details available so that any concerns could be raised directly by telephone or email.

Ms Doyle further advised that managers were trained to deal with customer behaviour and were equipped with body-worn cameras capable of recording both video and audio. She explained that the company operated a Challenge 21 policy and that all staff received comprehensive induction and licensing training, which was regularly refreshed throughout the year.

In conclusion, Ms Doyle advised that incidents occurring at the premises would be reported and discussed regularly with the Licensing Officer to ensure any issues were identified and addressed promptly.

The Sub-Committee was addressed by Mr Gibson (the applicant’s general manager). He said that the company had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.