Agenda and minutes

Members of the Audit Committee are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the agenda, and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

Councillor Jones declared that he recognised Mr Laum, a director of the Ivory Pan Asian restaurant, as he had patronised the restaurant when it had been The China Lounge. This would not affect his judgment of the issues.

Councillor Jones also said he recognised  Mr Hewitt, one of the objectors as he recognised him due to working next door to where Mr Hewitt lived prior to his retirement. This would not affect his judgment of the issues.

Councillor Adams stated that he recognised Mr Lau a director of the Ivory Pan Asian restaurant as he had patronised the restaurant when it had been The China Lounge. This would not affect his judgment of the issues.

Councillor Hodkinson declared that he was the treasurer for Ramsbottom Business Group for many years and in this role had encountered  Mr Murray. This would not affect his judgment of the issues.

Application to vary a Premises Licence under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 in relation to ‘Ivory Pan Asian’, 190 – 194 Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6QF.

Prior to the Hearing the authority received an application to vary the Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Ivory Pan Asian, 190 – 194 Bury New Road Whitefield.

The application was as detailed in the report which was presented to the Members of the Panel by the Deputy Licensing Officer.

All written representations were contained within the report to Panel. All documentary evidence comprising the application, report provided with the agenda and representation were served on all parties in advance of the hearing.

It was explained that a premises licence had been in force since November 2005 when the business began trading as the China Lounge a licensed restaurant and bar. The licence was transferred to Robata Grill Limited, t/a Ivory Pan Asian on 20 June 2016.

The Panel heard oral representations on behalf of the Applicant from Mr Thomas Saul, the applicants’ solicitor.

Mr Saul explained that the applicants understood the concerns of the residents in attendance and those that had objected to this application; especially after issues with local premises that had received complaints due to various types of nuisance caused after opening. He stated that the Ivory Pan Asian would not be anything like the establishment referred to and would be similar to the China Lounge but with more to offer with a lounge bar ambiance (akin to the type of establishment known as “Australasia” in Manchester)being a restaurant with a bar.

It was explained that Mr Murray the DPS and Mr Lau had both run extremely successful restaurants in the past, Mr Lau being a Director at the China Lounge and Mr Murray being the current DPS at The Buddha Lounge in Whitefield. Neither had ever had any trouble at any of their establishments.

It was anticipated that the premises would offer an ambient atmosphere where patrons could enjoy a late meal in a lounge atmosphere.

Mr Saul explained that the applicants had worked with Greater Manchester Police and had volunteered conditions which were attached to the report. One of the conditions was relating to noise not being audible outside of the premises. This was something that the applicants were more than happy to comply with. Plans were to have a DJ with lounge music and the occasional cabaret singer which wouldn’t result in too much noise. He added that the residents could come back if issues did occur. He explained Mr Murray runs the Buddah Lounge on Radcliffe New Road, his clients recognised the concern and would work with the residents to minimise the concerns.

Mr Saul stated that the 2005 licence had operated without any issues.

The Chair asked the objectors present if they had any questions for the applicants and their representative.

Mr King representing some of the objectors set out that the objections were around the significant increase in hours and that it was considered that there would be a change in the nature and function of the premises.

It was suggested that it could be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.