To consider an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of The Biryani Lounge, 89 Wokingham Road, Reading, RG6 1LH.

The Sub-Committee considered a report concerning an application made by The Biryani Lounge Ltd to grant a Premises Licence for The Biryani Lounge, 89 Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LH. A copy of the application form was attached to the report at Appendix MH001.

The report stated that the application sought to vary the premises licence by amending the following licensable activities and operating hours as set out below:

Late night refreshment:

Monday to Sunday – 23:00hrs to 04:00hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Monday to Sunday – 11:00hrs to 04:00hrs

The report explained that the application had stated that the premises would operate as a non-alcoholic venue, with no intention to sell or serve alcohol on the premises.

The report stated that the applicant, Thames Valley Policy and Reading Borough Council (RBC) Licensing had agreed to a set of conditions, a copy of which was attached at Appendix MH002. As part of the agreed conditions the applicant had agreed to amend the licensable hours as follows:

Late night refreshment:

Monday to Sunday – 23:00hrs to 02:00hrs

Hours the Premises is Open to the Public:

Monday to Sunday – 11:00hrs to 02:00hrs

Confirmation of the agreed change was included in Appendix MH003 to the report.

The report stated that, during the 28-day consultation period, representations had been received from one local resident objecting to the application. The representation raised concerns regarding the effect of a 04.00hrs closing time on neighbours, recent anti-social behaviour in the area, the number of takeaway food businesses in the area already, potential increases in littering, the effect of additional late-night traffic issues on nearby residents especially as there were already too many delivery company vehicles operating and delivering at a time when many people were trying to sleep. The representation was attached at Appendix MH004 to the report.

The report set out the powers of the Licensing Authority when determining an application for the variation of a premises licence, which were:

·                To grant the application as applied for;

·                To grant the application with modifications;

·                To refuse the application.

The report explained that the Licensing Authority had a duty to carry out its functions with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives, which were as follows:

·                The prevention of crime and disorder;

·                Public safety;

·                The prevention of public nuisance;

·                The protection of children from harm.

The report stated that any conditions placed on a premises licence should be appropriate and proportionate with a view to promoting the licensing objectives and that the Licensing Authority could amend, alter or refuse an application if it were deemed appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The report also stated that, when determining an application, the Licensing Authority must have regard to the representations received, the Licensing Authority’s own statement of Licensing Policy and to any relevant section of the statutory guidance issued to licensing authorities by the Secretary of State.

The report set out paragraphs 1.6, 3.1, 5.6, 5.7, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.19-6.23, 7.6, 7.7,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.