At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Acting Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the variation application for Liberty Lounge, 1a Bell Lane, London E1 7LA. It was that objections had been received by Metropolitan Police, and Planning Enforcement.

It was noted that Environmental Health and the applicant had reached an agreement with new hours and conditions which were detailed on page 177 of the agenda, however the both the responsible authorities still wished to object to the variation application.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Rachid Radi, the applicant explained that the bar was in the basement, noise level was minimum, the shop above the premises was closed, and explained that there were a few residential properties across the road, where there were other bar’s and restaurants. He explained that they had been trading for 6 months and during this period had not had any complaints. It was also noted that they currently had a minicab system already operating which worked well and did not cause any disturbance to residents.

It was noted that staff were fully trained on health and safety, fire safety etc. and that the lobby system stopped noise from emanating outside the premises. Mr Radi explained that the bar had a capacity of 25 people, and wanted an entertainment licence to have low background music, and to be able to provide live music mainly jazz music in the evenings. It was noted that his clientele were mainly city workers and that no drinks were allowed to be taken outside the premises.

At the request of the Chair Mr Alan Cruickshank explained that the Bell Lane area was slowly attracting more shops, cafes and licensed premises. He explained that although these benefits the local business community, the needs of local residents should also be taken into consideration. He explained that the times applied for were too excessive and felt that there may be a danger of anti-social behaviour with people leaving the premises probably in high sprits or by just remaining around in the street, causing public nuisance in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Thomas Doyle, Planning Enforcement explained that they did not support the application to extend opening hours, as this would cause serious public nuisance to surrounding residential occupiers far later into the evening then what currently occurs. He explained that the extension of the Premises License hours would not maintain a balance between commercial activities and residential amenity, in an area where this is clearly required. He also mentioned that the hours applied for could not legally be implemented as the premises did not have planning permission for the hours requested nor was planning permission likely to be granted.

Members asked questions about the licensed premises in the local area, and the make up of the local area. It was noted that there had not been any complaint since the bar had been open. 

The Chair advised that the Sub Committee would at 8.45pm adjourn to consider the evidence presented. The Members reconvened at 9.25pm. The Chair reported that;

In considering the application, Members had heard from the applicant and those making representations against the application. Members noted the concerns raised by those making representations regarding crime and disorder and public nuisance but it was considered, however, that these were very much future concerns regarding what could happen if more residential development and commercial development take place. Members had considered the application based on the current position and were satisfied that the application could be granted with the following hours and conditions; 

RESOLVED

That the variation application for Liberty Lounge, 1a Bell Lane, London E1 7LAbe GRANTED in part, with the following conditions;

The Provision for Regulated Entertainment

(For recorded music)

Sunday to Tuesday from 12:00 hours – 22:00 hours

Wednesday & Thursday from 12:00 hours – 20:00 hours and from 23:00 hours – 00:00 hours (midnight)

Friday from 12:00 hours – 20:00 hours and from 23:00 hours – 01:00 hours

Saturday from 12:00 hours – 01:00 hours

The Provision for Regulated Entertainment

(for live music)

Wednesday to Friday from 20:00 hours – 23:00 hours

The Provision for Late Night Refreshments 

Wednesday & Thursday from 23:00 hours – 00:00 hours (midnight)

Friday & Saturday from 23:00 hours – 01:00 hours

Sale of Alcohol (on sales only)

Monday & Tuesday from 12:00 hours – 22:40 hours

Wednesday & Thursday from 12:00 hours – 00:00 hours (midnight)

Friday & Saturday from 12:00 hours – 01:00 hours

Sunday from 12:00 hours – 22:30 hours

Hours Premises is Open to the Public

Sunday to Tuesday from 12:00 hours – 23:00 hours

Wednesday & Thursday from 12:00 hours – 00:00 hours (midnight)

Friday & Saturday from 12:00 hours – 01:00 hours

Conditions

1. A CCTV camera system covering both internal and external to the premises is to be installed.

2. The CCTV recordings are to be maintained for 30 days and to be provided upon request to either a Police Officer or an officer of any other Responsible Authority.

3. At all times the premises is open, a person who can operate the CCTV system must be present on the premises.

4. No drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) are to be sold on the premises for consumption off the premises.

5. There is to be no amplified live music at any time.

6. A lobby system is to be installed within 6 weeks.