Agenda item

An application has been made to review the premises licence for Meram Kitchen, Brewery Square, Dorchester, DT1 1HX. The application has been out to public consultation.  Representations have been received. A Licensing Sub-Committee must therefore consider the application and representations at a public hearing.

The senior licensing officer outlined the report. An application had been made for a review of a premises licence for Meram Kitchen/XO Lounge, Brewery Square, Dorchester and had been submitted to the Licensing Authority by the Directors of the Brewery. The grounds for the review were made under the Licensing Objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. The current premises licence allowed for recorded music indoors from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 01:00 hours, late night refreshments indoors and outdoors from Monday to Sunday between 23:00 and 01:00 hours, and the sale of alcohol on and off from Monday to Sunday between 11:00 and 01:00 hours. No representations were made from responsible bodies however environmental health commented that they had received 11 complaints and the police commented that there had been no complaints of disorderly conduct.

It was confirmed that the Directors of the Brewery were raising concerns for the residential accommodation.

The applicant, Mr Kendle, who was representing the residents of the building, introduced the reason for the review. It had not previously been an area that was loud at night and the residents, who were mostly elderly, were bothered by the music and those leaving the building late at night. The noise travelled up the building through the framework and it was understood, from the letting agent, that there was no soundproofing. The applicant asked that the XO Lounge not to be open except for weekends, the inclusion of soundproofing in the venue, a reduction in operation hours, and for someone on site to handle any unrulily behaviour.

A discussion was had regarding those who had grievances from the residential apartments and their opportunity to fill in a form for evidence. There was concern that people were happy to complain but not provide evidence on the situation. The applicant drew attention to a supporting document which explained that there had been intimidating threats, including a person who withdrew their review because of those threats.

The licence holder, Mr Kircal, explained that they are a family run business. Their management did not tolerate disorder or anything that would tarnish their reputation. It was asked what objective relevant complaints had been made that would justify a change to the licence. There had been no incidents that required security nor any complaints made to the police. The licence holder explained that the square is not just a residential area but a vibrant place of mixed use that allows businesses to bring visitors to Dorchester.

It was explained that the community gave feedback when considering opening the lounge and since it had been opened safety had been their number one concern. Complaints had previously been brought to them and addressed resulting a separate room being fitted for music and the bar had been insulated to try and reduce as much noise as possible. They had tried to sit with directors personally to discuss a suitable noise level however none of the residents had responded.

There was a discussion regarding how many people were on the door and whether residents could contact the licence holder if there was a disturbance.

Decision: To take no action.