Addendum

Intenso Espresso Bar – Applicants email to the representors clarifying the application.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your representation regarding the premises licence application for Intenso Espresso Bar.

I am writing in my capacity as the acting agent on behalf of Intenso Espresso Bar regarding this premises licence application. Having reviewed your representation, I wanted to contact you directly on behalf of the applicant to provide some further clarification regarding the application and, hopefully, reassurance concerning the intended operation of the premises.

Prior to submitting the application, we consulted with both the Local Authority Licensing Team and Sussex Police regarding the proposed operation, hours and appropriate conditions. Following those discussions, a comprehensive set of conditions was agreed upon and incorporated into the application.

Importantly, the intention is not for Intenso to become a bar or drinking-led premises. Under the proposed conditions, alcohol may only be served by waiter/waitress service to customers who are seated at tables and it must be ancillary to a main table meal. There will be no vertical drinking, substantial hot and cold food must be available whenever alcohol is offered for sale, and there will be no off-sales of alcohol.

We appreciate that the terminal hours shown on the application have understandably caused concern. These are the hours applied for; however, the conditions significantly restrict how alcohol can actually be supplied and are specifically intended to ensure the premises continues to operate as a food-led café/restaurant rather than becoming a late-evening drinking venue.

The application also contains specific measures for the prevention of public nuisance, including signage asking customers to leave quickly and quietly and respect neighbouring residents, restrictions on the disposal of bottles and refuse, requirements to keep the immediate vicinity free from litter, CCTV and an incident recording system.

We also note your particular concern regarding the outside area. The proposed conditions specifically state that any outside area shown on the plans is subject to the appropriate approval/licence and, where that approval specifies an earlier termination time, that earlier time will take precedence. We are therefore not seeking through this premises licence to override any separate restriction applying to the external area.

We genuinely want to ensure that the premises operates responsibly and maintains a positive relationship with surrounding residents. If the terminal hours remain your principal concern, the applicant would also be willing to consider whether an amendment to the hours would provide sufficient reassurance.

Given the extensive conditions already agreed with the responsible authorities and the food-led nature of the proposed operation, I hope the above addresses your principal licensing concerns. A copy of the licensing conditions can also be shared.

If it does, we would be very grateful if you would consider withdrawing your representation. If a specific concern remains that you feel has not been addressed, please do let me know, as we welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you and see whether it can be resolved without the matter proceeding further.