Agenda item

Adrian Overton explained that the application was for the sale of alcohol on the premises from 12 noon until 7.30pm Monday to Sunday. Conditions had been agreed with the Council’s Noise and Nuisance team and a number of other conditions had been included in the operating schedule, following pre-application advice from the Licensing team. 1 objection had been received to the proposal from a local business owner. The premises were located within the Shepherd’s Bush Green cumulative impact area.

Horatio Chance explained that location of the premises within the cumulative impact area meant that the applicant was required to demonstrate that the proposal would not have a negative cumulative impact on one or more of the licensing objectives in order for the Sub-Committee to be able to grant the licence.

Richard Lieper, the applicant’s representative, said that no negative cumulative impact would arise if the application were to be granted. He noted that only one representation remained and that this was from another local restaurant business; he reminded the meeting that concern about competition was not something which the licensing authority should consider in making their decision.

Mr Lieper explained that the cumulative impact of licenced premises in Shepherd’s Bush related mainly to street drinking and resulting anti-social behaviour. He said that the application was for on-sales only and that the problems with street drinking would not therefore be exacerbated by the premises. He added that the premises would implement a number of policies to prevent customers from causing disorder or nuisance, these policies included: Challenge 25; Alcohol to be served only as an ancillary to a substantial meal; Entry to be refused to anyone who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He explained that as alcohol would be ordered at the counter and staff would be delivering it to tables customers’ behaviour would be constantly monitored. Mr Lieper explained that there were no objections from local residents, and that indeed the Richford Street Residents Association was supportive of the application. He noted that the applicant lived in the local area and would not allow the premises to have any negative impact on his neighbourhood.

The Chair asked how many people the café could seat. Matt Parkes explained that there were 2 tables for four people in the rear outside area and 40 seats inside the café. There was no room for people to stand and drink, although there was one high table with stools by the window.

The Chair asked how the café’s policy on customers under the influence of drugs or alcohol worked. Mr Parkes explained that if people who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol tried to enter the premises staff would ask them to leave. He explained that the most frequent use of the policy was drug addicts wanting to use the café’s toilet to inject themselves, which happened about once a week.

Horatio Chance asked what training staff were given. Mr Parkes explained that staff were generally trained informally but that training on ‘Challenge 25’ would be provided.

At 5.30pm the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision, accompanied by the legal adviser and the clerk. The Sub-Committee reconvened at 5.35pm and the Chair explained that the Sub-Committee had decided to grant the licence requested subject to those conditions included in the applicant’s operating schedule and those agreed with the Council’s Noise Nuisance Service.