Agenda and minutes

There were no reported apologies for absence.

Members of the Licensing Hearings Panel are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any matter on the agenda, and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

No declarations of interest were made in relation to any items considered at the meeting.

The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 1^st April 2020 were attached to the agenda.

The minutes of the last Licensing Hearing Panel Meeting held on the 1^st April 2020 via conference call were attached to the agenda.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the LHP held on the 1^st April 2020 via conference call be approved as a correct record.

Report attached

On the 6th February 2020, the Licensing Authority received an application for a Premises Licence in respect of the Hub Bar at 1 Haslam Street, Bury. This matter was scheduled to take place on the 1st April 2020, however the Licensing Unit Manager Mr M. Bridge explained via telephone conference call on the above date and that since the application had been received there had been the outbreak of the Covid-19.

As a result of this and the restrictions and requirements for social distancing, it was felt that the hearing of the application together with representations from GMP and the Ward Councillor could not be dealt with fully in the public interest.

Due to these circumstances, in order to deal with the application in the appropriate manner it was proposed that the time period set out in the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 within which the hearing of the application must be commenced, be extended in the public interest, in order to ensure a full and fair hearing, for three months until 1 July, pursuant to regulation 11 of those Regulations.

The application was as detailed in the report which was presented to the Members of the Panel by the Licensing Unit Manager

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

The Solicitor for the Council explained the role of Councillor Walmsley as spokesperson for local residents making objections. That she has no influence in her capacity as councillor and member of the Licensing and Safety panel. That she will not be a party to the decision making process. That her representations were made on behalf of residents before she was appointed to the Panel.

The Applicant confirmed that she understood this explanation.

It was noted that GMP and the applicant had agreed amended conditions.

The applicant Miss Natalie Cummings addressed the Licensing Hearing Panel and provided an overview of the business, plans for the future and to address any of the concerns which had been raised prior to the meeting. Including:

·         Her experience of bar work

·         Her ability to comply with the licensing objectives

·         That the bar would be an asset to the community

·         She referred to her written statement addressing the objections made

·         She referred to the letter of support from the Children’s Home and a neighbour

·         All TEN’s events had gone well without complaint

·         She had promptly removed tables and chairs from outside upon receiving a complaint

·         She would ask staff to park on Salford Street

The Panel asked a number of questions to the applicant with response provided.

The objectors present were given the opportunity to submit their objections to the Panel. The following concerns were raised by GMP:

·         Opening hours

·         Activities outside the premises which would be unlicensed

·         Car parking problems

·         Noise disturbance to residents

Councillor Walmsley also submitted representations made on behalf of local residents. These included:

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