Agenda item

Decision: -

That the application for conversion and variation to a licence in respect of The Stagger Inn, London Road, Grantham be agreed as submitted, subject to the following variations reported to the meeting: -

Live music – start 11.00hrs not 06.00hrs

Recorded music – 06.00hrs to 09.00hrs and 11.00hrs to 00.00hrs

Provision of facilities for making music – 11.00hrs to 00.00hrs

Provision of facilities for dancing - 11.00hrs to 00.00hrs

Supply of alcohol – 06.00hrs to 09.00hrs and 11.00hrs to 00.00hrs

every day, and subject to thirty minutes drinking up time.

The committee had before them the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing’s report ENV303 in relation to an application for conversion and variation to a licence for The Stagger Inn, London Road, Grantham.  A full copy of the application was attached as appendix one, including a map showing the location of the premises.  A letter from Lincolnshire Police was attached as appendix two. 

The Corporate Manager introduced the application and clarified those present and who would be speaking.  It was noted that there was a representative from the police present.  The Chairman sought and received confirmation that the applicant had received and understood the procedure to be followed. 

The Head of Environmental Health and Licensing, in introducing the report, outlined the existing and proposed hours set out in the application, together with other licensable activities.  In particular he asked members to note the early start proposed.  He reminded members that there had been a police objection.

The applicant’s representative circulated copies of an amended application, particularly in relation to the time of commencement of the various licensable activities, and concluded by saying that, in relation to the hours that the premises were open to the public, if the police requested the premises be closed between 09.00 and 11.00hrs, this could be done.  In response to a query from the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing as to the reason for the 06.00hrs start, the applicant’s representative pointed out that there were a number of large businesses in the area employing a considerable number of people on shift work and this would enable them to be catered for from the point of view of alcohol sales.  He also pointed out, in response to a question, that there had been no complaints from local residents.

The police representative confirmed that he was happy to see the amendment regarding the hours permitted for live and recorded music but reiterated the previous point that it was not appropriate to open the premises as early as proposed, as this was a residential and not an industrial area.  In addition, there was no provision for door staff or CCTV when the premises were open on Friday and Saturday, and he pointed out the police request for door staff if the premises were to be open after twelve midnight.  The applicant’s representative then questioned the police representative in relation to the objections made.  The police representative confirmed that if the premises were to close at twelve midnight then the police objections would be withdrawn.

The Head of Environmental Health and Licensing then summed up his report.  The applicants’ representative, in summing up, said that, in his opinion, there was only one major issuing remaining and that was the proposed 06.00hrs opening.  He reminded the committee of the reason for this, in that it was only to cater for shift workers.  It was not the intention to use the premises as a nightclub or to play music.  The licensee was under an obligation not to serve anyone under the influence and therefore there was no chance of persons calling in to the premises early in the morning, after they had visited other premises in the town centre which had closed earlier.

The officers, applicant, representative and police then left the room.  The committee considered the application and it was proposed and seconded that it be agreed, subject to the amendments made and to closing on every day of the week at twelve midnight for all purposes.  On being put to the vote, this proposition was carried.

The officers, applicant, representative and police returned to the meeting, and were advised of the decision, as noted above.  The Corporate Manager also advised that the decision could be reviewed at any time by any interested party.