Agenda item

Licensing Act 2003 - Psalter Tavern, 178-180 Psalter Lane, Sheffield, S11 8US

Report of the Chief Licensing Officer

Minutes:

4.1

The Chief Licensing Officer submitted a report to consider an application, made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, for the grant of a premises licence in respect of premises known as The Psalter Tavern, 1780-180 Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8US (Case No.76/19).

 

 

4.2

Present at the meeting were Anthony Chan and James Green (Directors, JGAC Psalter Limited), Timothy Steedman (representing JGAC Psalter Limited) (Applicants), Louise Ritchie, Robert Walsh and Ann McGloin (local residents), Clive Stephenson (Licensing Strategy and Policy Officer), Ryan Cannister (Licensing Service, observing), Samantha Bond (legal representative to the Sub-Committee) and Jennie Skiba (Democratic Services).

 

 

4.3

Samantha Bond outlined the procedure which would be followed during the hearing.

 

 

4.4

Clive Stephenson presented the report to the Sub-Committee, and it was reported that representations had been received from seven local residents, and were attached at Appendix “B” to the report.

 

 

4.5

Timothy Steedman stated that the premises were currently being refurbished and the proposal was to extend the closing time from 2300 hours to 2400 hours.  He said that the premises would reopen as a hotel with 23 bedrooms, with a bar and restaurant, both of which would close at 2400 hours.  There was no proposal to hold live music events but an option for sporting events to be screened.

 

 

4.6

In response to questions from Members of, and the Solicitor to, the Sub-Committee, and from the objectors, Timothy Steedman said that if there were to be any special nights, tribute bands etc., to be held, the Company would apply for Temporary Event Notices (TENs) but there were no plans for this at present.  With regard to the number of staff on duty at night, Mr. Steedman couldn’t give a definitive answer, he said it would depend on how busy the pub was and that all staff would be fully trained and be instructed to inform customers to leave the premises quietly and not to trespass on the adjoining private land.  He added that the land at the rear of the premises had been cleared of rubbish and overgrown shrubs but acknowledged residents’ concerns that there was little screening from headlights, spotlights and people stood outside in the smoking area now that it had been cleared and Mr. Steedman said this would be addressed.  He said that there would be a smoking shelter but there were no plans for seats to be placed inside the shelter and drinks would not be permitted to be taken outside.  Also the rear shelter would be closed at 10.00 p.m.  Members were informed that it had been agreed with South Yorkshire Police to remove all outside tables, except one, at 2230 hours. 

 

 

4.7

Anthony Chan stated that he had been in contact with a local community group and there were plans to create a community garden at the rear of the premises.  He said that he hoped the hotel would appeal to parents whose children were attending the Universities.  He added that the bar would serve real ales, bar snacks and breakfasts on request.  It was anticipated that the lower ground floor would be opened as an art gallery, displaying works of local artists and he anticipated that the refurbishment would represent a change to the previous type of venue.

 

 

4.8

Ann McGloin stated that she had been the only resident to have received a letter regarding the consultation period and asked whether the needs of children and disabled people living in the block of flats had been taken into consideration.  Louise Ritchie said that she had only recently moved into the area, living closest to the premises and was concerned about the late licence being granted, especially during the working week, which she felt would impact her quality of life and disturb her sleep. She also felt that light pollution into her property would be a problem without adequate screening. Robert Walsh raised his concerns from past experience with regard to car doors being slammed and customers leaving the premises, talking loudly and making their way through the block of flats as a shortcut to Hunters Bar.

 

 

4.9

In response to the concerns raised by local residents, Timothy Steedman asked for contact details of the management company for the flats with the aim of contacting them to arrange for “private property” notices to be displayed in and around the flats in an attempt to stop people walking through.  He informed residents that the Company were willing to work with them to resolve any issues they had.

 

 

4.10

Clive Stephenson outlined the options open to the Sub-Committee.

 

 

4.11

RESOLVED: That the public and press and attendees involved in the application be excluded from the meeting before further discussion takes place on the grounds that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, if those persons were present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.

 

 

4.12

Samantha Bond reported orally, giving legal advice on various aspects of the application.

 

 

4.13

At this stage in the proceedings, the meeting was re-opened to the public and press and attendees.

 

 

4.14

RESOLVED: That, in the light of the information contained in the report now submitted and the representations now made, the Sub-Committee agrees to grant a premises licence in respect of the premises known as Psalter Tavern, 178-180 Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8US (Ref No.76/19), in the terms requested, and subject to the addition of the following condition:-

 

 

 

A contact name and number of a designated member of staff shall be made available to local residents.

 

 

 

(The full reasons for the Sub-Committee’s decision will be included in the written Notice of Determination.)

 

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