PAPER C

Purpose : For Decision

Committee :    LICENSING PANEL

Date :              7 JUNE 2002

Title :              APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF AN OCCASIONAL PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE FOR THE BOATSHED, SHEPARDS WHARF, MEDINA ROAD, COWES

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND INFORMATION AND COUNTY TREASURER

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To consider an application for the grant of an occasional Public Entertainment Licence for The Boatshed, Shepards Wharf, Medina Road, Cowes.

BACKGROUND

1.        An application has been received from Robert David Hunter, Oddball Promotions, 33 St Andrews Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight for the grant of an occasional Public Entertainment Licence in respect of The Boatshed, Shepards Wharf, Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Times requested by the applicant are attached (Appendix 1)

1.        No application has yet been made to the Licensing Justices for the grant of a Liquor Licence.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

1.        The application was advertised on 17 May 2002. The closing date for comments is 31 May 2002 and any received will be circulated at the meeting.

2.        Cowes Town Council have objected to the Licence and a copy of their comments is attached (Appendix 2).

3.        The Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that they have no objection to this application.

4.        The Council’s Environmental Protection Section have advised that they have no objection subject to the Licence being issued on the same terms and conditions as last year, and a copy of their memo dated 27 June 2001 is attached (Appendix 3).

5.        The local Councillor has been advised of the application. The closing date for comments is 29 May 2002 and any comments received will be circulated at the meeting.

6.        The Council’s Building Control Section have been informed of the application and a copy of their comments is attached (Appendix 4).

7.        The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that they will raise no objection to the grant of the Licence subject to the implementation of the items set out in their memo dated 28 May 2002 (Appendix 5).

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

1.        The Panel’s attention is drawn to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which requires local authorities to consider the community safety implications of ALL their activities. This is a corporate responsibility of the authority as a whole. Advice will be available during the course of the meeting on any matters raised by the applicant or objectors.

2.        Members are advised that this application should be considered against a background of the implications of the Human Rights Act 1998. The report does not include a recommendation, however, reasons have to be given for any decision made by the Panel.

3.        Members are aware that local opposition or support (in whatever form) for a proposal is not in itself grounds for refusing or granting a licensing permission, unless that opposition or support is based upon valid reasons and concerns which can be sustained.

OPTIONS

(a)       To grant the licence for the hours requested by the applicant, on the same terms and conditions as last year.

(b)       To vary the hours requested by the applicant having regard to the objections and other relevant information.

(c)       To issue the licence subject to the Council’s standard terms and conditions along with any additional condition/s the Licensing Panel believe to be reasonable.

(d)       To grant a licence for a period of less than one year.

(e)       To refuse the application for a Public Entertainment Licence.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Shepards Wharf Public Entertainment Licensing file.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1.        Members will be aware that the applicant had an occasional Public Entertainment Licence for Shepards Wharf from 2 August 2001 to 31 December 2001 for varying times, as set out at Appendix 6.

2.        A copy of the Cowes Town Council’s letter of objection has been sent to the applicant and he has been invited to attend the meeting to answer any questions that members may have.

3.        Cowes Town Council has been informed of the time, date and location of the meeting and requested to attend to substantiate its objections.

Contact Point: John Murphy, 823152

                                                                             JOHN PULSFORD

                                                                              Strategic Director

                                                       Finance and Information and County Treasurer