Agenda item

Determination of Application for a Premises Licence For Festival House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham. GL50 3SH

The Chair explained the process to the Applicant and the Objector.

The Senior Licensing Officer then presented the report as published.

The matter then went to Member questions:

-       Has there been any representation from responsible authorities – there has been no representation.

The Applicant and objector both confirmed that they had no questions for the Senior Licensing Officer.

The Applicant was then asked to explain their application:

-       Explained that in the building businesses can hire a floor, a desk or a meeting room.

-       Referred to the plan and the licensed area.  There is a kitchen and a small servery – the amount of alcohol that is served is minimal usually for a celebration of function.  They have asked for off sales but restricted to in the building.  Nothing to be taken outside. 

-       Will always be an office space and never a bar.

-       You can only come into the building if you have a pass or tenancy – you can not walk into the property and buy a drink at the bar.

-       There will be full CCTV installed and onsite management.

-       The concern appears to be in regards to smoking near the property.  Most tenants or members will be walking or cycling.

-       There will be a smoking area – they will do their best to ensure that this is used.

-       Sale of alchol is ancillary to the fact that it is an office building.

-       Hopes that this will be good for the area and provide employment.

The matter then went to Member questions:

-       Asked for clarification for the description of Club Members and pass holders – applicant confirmed that Club Members (for a fee) are allowed in the communal lounge area, wifi and networking.

-       Is there a limit on the number of guests that a member can bring in? Guests have to be pre booked in advance – if there is a private conference then they will have to be booked in advance.

The objector then spoke:

-       Made the point that the area is busy in the day and very quiet at night.

-       There is a problem with smokers in the area, concerned that people will bring their drinks outside.

-       Concerned that there will be more people wanting to put businesses in such as this.

The matter then went to the debate

-       Police, environmental health have not objected to the matter, there is already a Challenge 21 policy.

-       Understand the objectors concern, however this is quite common and will be very unlikely to cause problems.

-       Applicant will do all that they can to ensure there is no trouble with smokers and bottles leaving the building.

-       Appreciates the objectors concerns however if people chose to behave in an anti social way it is outside the remit of the management of the building and the committee.

-       If someone is causing a problem inside the premesis then they are likely to have their membership revoked.

Applicants final right to reply:

-       Nothing further to add.

Vote to grant:

For: 3

Against

Abstain

Granted with mandatory conditions offered in the application.

Licensing Officer will contact applicant to confirm.