Agenda and minutes

The sub-committee nominated Councillor Whyborn as Chair of the meeting.

There were none.

There were none.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 20^th September 2018.

Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th September 2018 were approved as an accurate record, without amendment.

My Coffee, 186 Bath Road, Cheltenham

The Licensing Officer introduced the application, made under the Licensing Act 2003, for a premises licence in respect of My Coffee, 186 Bath Road Cheltenham. The applicants are seeking a licence to authorise the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises and the playing of recorded music and films. The proposed times for licensable activities are 7.30am – 11pm Monday to Saturday and 9am – 11pm on Sunday.

During the consultation process, none of the responsible authorities commented on the application but 14 representations were received from other people. These are reproduced as an appendix to the report pack.

Some of the comments made by objectors are discussed in more detail at paragraph 7.5 of the report. The consideration for the sub-committee is whether the sale of alcohol and the provision of recorded music and films at the premises will compromise the licensing objectives, which are:

(a) prevention of crime and disorder;

(b) public safety;

(c) prevention of public nuisance; and

(d) protection of children from harm. 

The options available to the sub-committee are to:

·         grant the licence as applied for, or with such amendments and conditions as members feel are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, or

·         refuse the application. 

As Members did not have any questions for the officer at this stage, Councillor Whyborn invited the applicant to state her case, to be followed by Councillor Sudbury speaking on behalf of local residents.  He confirmed that the applicant would get the chance to respond to any objections.

The applicant

The applicant explained that she took on the coffee shop four years ago, always intending to apply for a licence.  The business will remain first and foremost a coffee shop, extending its offer to selling beer and wine occasionally; there is no intention to turn it into a bar.  Many objectors have misunderstood this – the business will offer food in the evening, and although the application is for 11.00pm Monday-Sunday, it will probably be open till that time only two or three nights a week.  Use of the premises may be offered to other people or groups, such as a local film club, but overall, there will be no drastic change.

Councillor Sudbury, on behalf of local residents

There is some concern from local residents about this application.  As stated in her own representation, a few things which need clarification, but nothing insurmountable; has no personal criticism of the applicants or the business, and loves and visits Bath Road every week.

Neighbour concerns can be summarised as follows:

i.    Smoking.  If people are drinking, some will want to smoke or vape outside; the pavement is busy to the front and narrow to the side of the premises, and anyone walking home may feel intimidated by groups of people blocking pavements.  Also, residents in the flat over Parsons Bakery opposite may be disturbed.

ii.   Litter.  On the two-way part of Exmouth Street, there is a litter problem, with vans parking here for drivers to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.