Agenda item

4.1

The Chief Licensing Officer submitted a report to consider an application to vary a premises licence made under Section 37 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as Dorothy Pax, Arch 17, Wharf Street, Sheffield S2 5SY, (Ref No.86/20).

4.2

Present at the meeting were Patrick Robson (John Gaunt and Partners, Solicitors, for the Applicant), Heather Anson (Digital Law, for the Applicant), Richard Henderson (Applicant), Marie-Claire Frankie (Solicitor to the Sub-Committee), Clive Stephenson (Licensing Strategy and Policy Officer) and Jennie Skiba (Democratic Services).

4.3

Marie-Claire Frankie outlined the procedure which would be followed during the hearing.

4.4

Clive Stephenson presented the report to the Sub-Committee, and it was noted that objections had been received, and were attached at Appendix ‘C’ to the report

4.5

Patrick Robson referred to the additional information which had been circulated prior to the hearing, which had contained a number of positive comments regarding the premises. He stated that the applicant had been in the hospitality industry for a number of years, and that he lives on a boat on the Canal and therefore would never wish for his business to have an adverse impact on the local area.  He said that the interior of the premises was not going to be changed but due to the impact that Covid-19 was having on his business, the applicant was looking to extend the outside areas around his premises.  He stated that the applicant had applied for a number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs), for other events, and there had been no objections from any of the responsible authorities to these applications, or any concerns raised by them, or any complaints raised by local residents.  It was also pointed out that none of the responsible authorities had made representations with regard to this application.  Mr. Robson said that an event on the fringe of Tramlines had been held over a number of years and a risk assessment of this event had been carried out and said that the Canal River Trust and the landlords had always been aware of these events.  He said that the applicant was experienced in planning events and that local live music would add to the vibrancy of the area.  Mr. Robson stated that the applicant was happy to regulate to the holding of musical events to five days per year, and that alcohol be served in the external areas also for five days per year.  He added that the events would start at midday and end at 10.00 p.m.  He further added that the area was not inherently dangerous, that issues around roadways, footpaths vehicular access etc., had all been addressed.  Finally, Mr. Robson stated that the applicant was willing to consult with the Canal Trust and the landlord over any issues that might arise.

4.6

In response to questions from Members of, and the legal advisor to, the Sub-Committee, it was noted that the lease does permit the use of the outside space and that the Challenge 25 scheme was in operation at the premises.  The applicant stated that he had attended child protection courses and the stringent safeguarding procedures were in place.

4.7

Patrick Robson summarised the case on behalf of the applicant.

4.8

RESOLVED: That the 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.

4.9

Marie-Claire Frankie reported orally, giving legal advice on various aspects of the application.

4.10

RESOLVED: That, in the light of the contents of the report now submitted, together with the representations now made, including the responses provided to the questions raised, agrees that the application to vary the premises licence in respect of Dorothy Pax, Arch 17, Wharf Street, Sheffield, S2 5SY (Ref No. 86/20), be granted.

(NOTE:  The decision will be relayed to all interested parties following the meeting and the full reasons for the Sub-Committee’s decision will be included in the written Notice of Determination.)