Agenda item

An application has been made by the owners of two hotels to review the premises licence at Domino in Weymouth.  A Licensing Sub Committee must consider the application and representations from all parties at a public hearing.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report. A joint application had been submitted for a review of the premises licence for Domino’s in Weymouth, on the grounds of anti-social behaviour. The review had been submitted jointly by two local hoteliers, who had complained about the noise of delivery drivers late at night from the sound of their vehicles and loud talking. A meeting had been held between the licence holder and the applicants of the review, which had resulted in measures being agreed, to address the concerns raised. These included changing from petrol mopeds to electric mopeds to reduce engine noise, delivery drivers in cars using a nearby car park  when delivering at night and a new driver’s policy for employees.

Mr Smith, the solicitor for the licence holder, stated that prior to the review being submitted Domino’s had taken action to address noise complaints from neighbours. This included, staggering staff breaks to limit noise from conversations, changing a car drivers shift from the evening to the day, installing a second CCTV camera and specific instances of noise were investigated by management. A further mediation meeting had been arranged with the two applicants, which had resulted in the agreement of three conditions to be added to the licence. He also highlighted that there had been no objections from the Police or Environmental Health.

The following responses were provided by the licence holder in response to member’s questions:

·       The drivers were told not to talk to their friends while they were working and disciplinary meetings had been held to enforce this, but Domino’s couldn’t restrict people who weren’t their employees from using the road.

·       There were 11 car drivers and 7 mopeds, and the mopeds were owned by Domino’s.

·       During peak times there could be approximately 12 drivers working at one time, however most evenings there are approximately 3 working, depending on business needs.

·       No priority was given to a particular type of vehicle, drivers would collect orders based on a queuing system. Generally, mopeds were used during peak times.

·       No complaints had been received from residents.

All parties in attendance were given the opportunity to sum up their case. 

Decision: That new conditions be added to the Premises Licence as follows:

1.    From 23:00 at the latest, any delivery drivers driving motor vehicles will park their cars in the Royal Yard Car Park when returning to the premises to collect a hot food or hot drink delivery.

2.    From 23:00 at the latest, the Premises Licence Holder will ensure as many deliveries as possible are made by electric mopeds rather than petrol mopeds, or by cars which are parked in the Royal Yard Car Park.

3.    All staff involved in the delivery of hot food and drink from the premises will be provided with a Drivers Expectations Policy which they will sign, and which will be retained at the premises for a period of at least 12 months and will be made available to the Licensing Authority for inspection on being given reasonable notice