Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Chair outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Chair opened the meeting and asked those present to introduce themselves.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

To consider a new premises licence at 44 - 45 Court Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7AP.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report which asked Members to consider an application for the grant of a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 at The Bank, 44 – 45 Court Street, Faversham ME13 7AP.

The Licensing Officer introduced the application as set out in the report and highlighted as below:

·         The sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 12:00 - 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 - 22:30 Sunday; and

·         Opening hours from 08:00 – 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 – 22:30 Sunday.

The Licensing Officer referred to Appendix III on page 31 of the report which set out the list of conditions proposed by the Applicant and those agreed with Kent Police.  He also reported that valid representations had been received, and these were set out from page 35 of the report.

The Chair asked the Applicant to present his case.  The Applicant outlined his vision for the premises where premium food and beer would be sold; the drinks included locally brewed Kentish beer; experienced and highly trained staff would work at the premises; inclusivity was important to the company and both families and professionals were welcome; the building would be restored to its previous heritage; and his company had a commitment to the community.  The Applicant acknowledged the concerns that some local residents had, and although some had been general in nature, steps had been taken to mitigate potential pre-empted issues.  In terms of any noise issues, he said that the proposed opening hours were shorter than other nearby licensed premises; there was no rear egress onto Middle Row; there would be low level background music; acoustic insulation would be installed; signage would be placed to request that customers left the premises quietly; they were investing in a listed building; and he respected the neighbourhood.  The Applicant considered the new premises license would be a real asset to Faversham.

The Chair invited the Sub-Committee to ask the Applicant questions. 

In response, the Applicant explained that there were assistance railings to help customers whilst using the stairs, however there were currently no toilet facilities for disabled customers; jobs would be offered to local people; soft drinks would be available, as well as a variety of locally made drinks;  the price range was considered to be accessible and suitable for the local market and also reflected the quality of the drinks for sale.  In terms of door staff, the Applicant said a full risk assessment had been carried out, and he considered this type of drinking establishment did not warrant the need for door staff and the venue was not likely to be pushed to full capacity.  In response to concerns about the adjoining alleyway, the Applicant said that staff at the venue would manage this on dispersal of customers and CCTV would be installed in that area.

The Senior Lawyer sought confirmation that the only external customer areas were at the front of the premises and not the rear.  The Applicant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 259.