An apology for absence was received from Councillor Jenny Wallace and Councillor Lyn Milner attended as her substitute.

No declarations of interest were made.

The Panel considered an application, to which a representation had been made, for the grant of a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 – Application reference 19/00960/LAPL01.

The Senior Licensing Officer gave a brief overview of the application which was attached at appendix two of the report.

The application which was received on 22 August 2019 from Mrs Olga Gudeike was for the grant of a premises licence under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises located at 7 The Parade, Wrotham Road, Meopham.

This premise was currently open as a café selling food and drink. The current opening hours were:-

·         Monday to Friday 07.00 to 17.00

·         Saturday 07.30 to 17.00

·         Sunday 08.00 to 17.00

The application was for sale by retail of alcohol on the premises only between the following times:-

·         Monday to Saturday 11.30 to 23.00

·         Sunday 12.00 to 23.00

The application attached at appendix two included the operating schedule which detailed the steps the applicant intended to take to address the four licensing objectives.

During the twenty eight day consultation period, no representations had been received from responsible authorities however a public representation had been received from Mr Ian Eldridge. The representation was attached at appendix three of the report. Mr Eldridge objected to the application on the ground that it would undermine the licensing objective of public safety.

The Panel adjourned to consider its decision.

Determination

Having considered the information provided in the written report compiled by the Senior Licensing Officer and presented to the Licensing Panel; the representation that had been received from Mr Ian Eldridge; the advice of the Council’s Legal Advisor; the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy; the statutory guidance of the Secretary of State; the Human Rights Act 1998; and the licensing objectives, the Panel decided to grant the application subject to those conditions listed in the operating schedule however it was agreed that alcohol will not be taken off the premises regardless of whether it is in an open container.

Note:   The applicant, Mrs Olga Gudeike, and objector, Mr Ian Eldridge, were not in attendance.