To consider the appointment of a Chair for this Sub-Committee meeting.

RESOLVED, that Councillor Hunt be appointed as Chair for the Sub-Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Yabsley and Councillor Bulled was present at the meeting as the substitute.

(Please complete the form provided at the meeting or telephone Corporate and Community Services to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting.  Interests must be re-declared when the item is called, and Councillors must leave the room if necessary).

There were no declarations of interest received.

Report by Licensing Officer (attached).

Also Present: The applicant, Mr T. Foster.

The Chair introduced herself and everyone present.

The Licensing Officer confirmed that all the formal requirements had been met for the submission of the application.

The Legal Officer outlined the hearing process to the Sub-Committee and the applicant.

The Licensing Officer outlined his report. He explained that the purpose of the report was to request a variation to a premises licence by Blackingstone Ltd in respect of the BS Unit, Unit 6, Hele Bay Business Park, Ifracombe to permit the supply of alcohol on and off the premises. The proposed variation as applied was to change the licence to include on-sales (licence was currently solely off-sales) to allow persons to sample alcoholic products and “enjoy the environment”. He outlined the proposed licensing activities and hours applied for and advised that any variation of a premises licence may be subject to conditions applied by the Licensing Authority as a result of the hearing.

The Licensing Authority had received one relevant representation from a Responsible Authority in regard to the application from Mrs B. Coles, Planning Officer, North Devon Council in relation to public safety.

He drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to the relevant licensing policy considerations and the relevant statutory guidance considerations, which were outlined in paragraphs 5.1 and 6.1 of the report.

He outlined the options available to the Sub-Committee, which were contained within paragraphs 7.1 to 7.4 of the report.

The Chair invited the applicant Mr T. Foster to address the Sub-Committee.

Mr T. Foster addressed the Sub-Committee and provided the following information:

·       He apologised for the absence of his business partner Ms K. Carter who was currently unwell with COVID 19.

·       He advised that he had submitted his application based on the maximum number of permissions but that he was open to negotiation on any points.

·       He explained that the business had aspirations to grow and develop into providing cocktail parties using natural products and providing unique events out of hours to include cocktail tasting and making.

·       Most people would arrive on foot as they would not drink and drive and local business would also be shut during the evening hours proposed in the application.

·       The business was not a public house and events would require prior booking at set times.

·       The unit would still be utilised for bottling and storage of mixers and alcohol. Part of the marketing brand was to promote the sale of products via the local businesses that currently sell their products.

·       In response to a question regarding the types of alcoholic drinks that would be produced on the premises, the applicant advised that creations such as spiced rum, espresso martinis and strawberry daiquiris using fresh fruits and different flavours would be made by customers on the premises and only ingredients needed for booked sessions would be on site, meaning no extra could be ‘sold’ .

·       In response to a question regarding opening hours, the applicant reassured the Sub-Committee that the unit was very small and could only  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.