RESOLVED, that Councillor Chesters be appointed Chair for the Sub-Committee C.

There were no apologies for absence.

(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 made.

Report by Licensing Officer (attached).

Also present:Casey Reed, the Applicant.

                        Beth Coles, Planning Officer.

The Chair introduced herself and those present.

The Legal Officer summarised the hearing process.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application made in respect of Mad Hatter Plant Based Bistro and Lounge Bar, 8 and 10 Queen’s Walk, Bear Street, Barnstaple, EX32 7DA, reference number 054744 and confirmed that all the formal requirements had been met for the submission of the application.

The proposed Premises Licence application applied for was to enable the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises.  The Licensing Officer made a correction to a typing error on page 8 of the agenda to correct the Hours Open to the Public Friday to Saturday as being from 11.00 am not 23.00 as typed.

Appendix C of the agenda showed a premises plan and a location plan was provided at Appendix B.  Appendix D was the Planning authority’s representation which included photographs.  The Licensing Officer had visited the premises himself and taken photographs which were tabled for the Sub-Committee members.

The Licensing Officer read paragraphs 4.6 to 4.8 of his report in relation to the Live Music Act 2012 and highlighted that although deregulated the Licensing authority could still set out conditions in relation to live music on the Licence.

All responsible authorities had been notified of the application.  The Police had made an observation and the Planning authority had made a representation in relation to the Prevention of Public Nuisance licensing objective.

The Licensing Officer referenced the guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 (April 2018), and in particular drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to paragraphs 14.64 and 14.65, Planning and Building Control.

The Applicant presented her case.  Two premises had been merged as one business and was recognised as such by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).  Although referred to as a bar the bistro and lounge bar would not be run like a ‘traditional’ pub.  The idea was to offer a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal.  It was not intended under any circumstances to serve customers enough to become intoxicated, that was not the ethos of the business.  She would not undertake any activity that would hurt/damage her business and/or the ability to run the business.  The Applicant explained to the Sub-Committee that she was fully aware of the regulations she must abide by.  Asking for this licence would help enhance the running of her business and she only wanted to do what would help her business and do things correctly.  A local school whose pupils suffered from autism had approached her with a view to allowing year 10/11 pupils to undertake work experience at the premises, as her ethos was one of calm and muted sounds not blaring pop music.  The premises was on the route to patrons attending the theatre and provided a venue for pre-theatre drinks in a relaxing and calming environment.  In terms of the open mic night, this would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.