(a)

considered the report from the Director of Public Health;

(b)

heard from the applicant and DPS as follows:

(b1)

written representations from the applicant:

it was in the best interest of the local community that the licenced premises remained available in the locality. The Bridge End Club as currently constituted did not have the financial resources to continue to operate as a club.  Whilst it was not proposed that the premises remain a members-only club, it was nonetheless noteworthy that the premises had been a social gathering point for a very long time for residents of the area;

the proposed licensee did not propose to alter to any significant extent the demographic of patrons who chose to gather socially at the premises, but simply offer a more convivial atmosphere for those attending along with a wider range of social activity than had been previously offered;

the proposed licensee was happy to alter the requested licensing hours to those currently held by Bridge End Social Club – this was to reduce the sale of alcohol to a terminal hour of 12 midnight;

the proposed licensee had carried out certain due diligence research and respectively contended that the two objections filed did not adequately represent the views of the majority of residents of the area. Evidence was provided detailing the level of support that the proposed licensee had in the proposed assumption of occupation of this premises application and the proposed service to be provided to the community;

it was intended that the proposed licenced premises would be used (in addition to a licenced gathering place at which persons may watch sport if they so wish) for the following events which would occur regularly in any community:

-

Wakes;

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Birthday parties

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Children’s parties

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Christmas parties and

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Other events such as bingo

(b2)

representations made by the applicant at committee and in response to questions from Members –

the applicant was a joint licence holder and DPS at the Parkway Sports and Social Club and had 20 years’ experience in operating licenced premises. Together with his 3 fellow directors the management of the premises will be covered for all aspects and times of the day;

·        

all staff at the premises would be fully trained in Challenge 25 and “ask Angela” procedures and sign to confirm training. This was repeated every 6 months and at staff meetings to discuss issues. The aim was to get all staff trained up and holding personal licences;

·        

it was intended that the opening hours applied for would allow for dispersal of patrons to take place in an orderly fashion and not force people out onto the street at the same time.  The applicant was willing to close the bar at midnight on Friday and Saturday to allow for this dispersal;

·        

it was intended to operate the premises along the model of the premises that the applicant currently operated providing the local community with a range facilities for sports/ card games/snooker tables/bingo  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.