Agenda item

Decision:-

That the application in respect of Zorbas, 40 Broad Street, Stamford be agreed subject to the following hours for the provision of late night refreshment:

23:00 to 00:30                       Sunday to Tuesday

23:00 to 02:30                       Wednesday to Saturday

And subject to the following conditions:

1.                  That the public area immediately surrounding the premises shall be cleared of waste food, food containers, wrapping, etc. at the end of trading on each day. Such refuse shall be placed in a container designed for the storage and disposal of refuse and waste foods which shall be constructed, maintained and located so that access to it by vermin and unauthorised persons is prevented and arrangements shall be made for the regular lawful disposal of their contents.

2.                  That the existing CCTV installation shall be maintained and all resulting tapes shall be kept for a period of no less than 28 days and made available to the police if required.

The Committee had before them the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing’s report ENV307 in relation to an application for a Premises for Zorbas, 40 Broad Street, Stamford. A full copy of the application was attached as appendix 1 together with a map of the premises. Representations received from 44 interested parties were attached as appendix 2. A letter of representation from Lincolnshire Police was circulated at the meeting.

The applicants and their representative were present at the meeting; the Chairman outlined the procedure that would be followed and introduced the Committee Members and Officers present. The applicants stated that they had been advised of the procedure that would be followed, which they understood. Three members of the public had given notice that they wished to speak and a representative of Lincolnshire Police was also present.

The Head of Environmental Health and Licensing presented his report, reminding the Committee that the application was for a Premises Licence to cover the supply of late night refreshment, (only licensable between 23:00 to 05:00). He stated that 44 letters of representation had been received from interested parties. Representations had also been received from Lincolnshire Police.

The applicants presented their case, emphasising that the premises did not sell alcohol. The opening hours were integrated with the night time economy. The property was fitted with CCTV cameras. They stated that they were recognised under the legislation as being responsible for their premises and its frontage only. The applicants were questioned about supervision for customers, litter caused by patrons and local responsibility.

The Police representative stated that increased opening hours would promote loitering in town centres and anti-social behaviour. Within the past year, two incidents had been reported at Zorbas. The applicant questioned the Police representative on incidents directly attributable to Zorbas. The Police representative answered questions on this and public nuisance.

Three members of the public made representations against the application. Their concerns included the potential increase in litter from longer opening hours, the increased number of people remaining in Stamford Town Centre, the extent of Zorbas responsibility for their patrons and the potential for noise and public nuisance.

The Head of Environmental Health and Licensing, in summing up, recommended that the committee consider the application for a Premises Licence. He reminded them of the representations received. The applicants summed up. The Committee Support Officer clarified with the Head of Environmental Health that the committee would be able to include conditions on provision of receptacles for litter disposal, then the officers, police representative and applicants left the room.

The Committee discussed the application in terms of public nuisance, litter and dispersal from nightclubs and the town centre. It was proposed and seconded that the application be granted subject to amended hours and the conditions on litter and the retention of CCTV footage. On being put to the vote, the proposition was agreed.

The applicant and officers then returned to the meeting and were advised of the decision, as noted above. The Committee Support Officer advised the applicant that the decision could be requested for review at any time by any interested party.

(The meeting adjourned from 11:08am to 11:30am).