Agenda item - Riddle & Finns - Licensing Panel (Licensing Act 2003 Functions)

3.1      The Chair invited the meeting attendees to introduce themselves.

3.2      The Licensing Officer introduced the application to the panel Members.

Answers to questions

3.3      There were no questions from the panel, Sussex Police or the applicant.

          Sussex Police statement

3.4      The Police stated that they objected to the Temporary Events Notice (TEN) to serve food and alcohol outside the venue over the Easter weekend, as they considered it contravened licensing objectives. The is no event as such. The proposed times were 12 noon to 12 midnight, with on sales only. The sale of alcohol next to the beach was considered an issue, as was the disposal of packaging. It is considered that the application may set a precedent.

          Answers to questions

3.5      The Councillors were informed that the TEN process was not necessarily suitable, however, there was no other route open to the applicant. Given the number of bars on the beach front there is no need for extra drink sales. The Police consider that daytime sales feed into the evening.

          Applicant Statement

3.6      The applicant stated that they wanted to erect a gazebo within the venues boundary and engage with passerby’s if the weather is good. The sales will be champagne and oysters/mussels/prawns. The applicant wanted to represent the company positively. The drinks cups are recyclable. The proposal is to close around 6pm.

          Answers to questions

3.7      Councillors were informed that the applicant wanted to talk to customers and make them aware of the company brand. The bar will not be big, and champagne will be sold by the glass. The drinks containers will be compostable and recyclable. The applicant considered it would be unlikely that they would sell more than 6 bottles in total.

Summaries

3.8      The licensing officer summarised the case.

3.9      The Police summarised that off sales was the issue.

3.10    The applicant summarised that they only wanted the use the TEN for one of the four-day Easter weekend.

3.11    The legal officer stated that the panel would retire and consider the application.

3.12    The panel retired to consider the application.