To consider an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of ‘Marmaris Kebab House, 21 Union Street, Hereford, HR1 2BT’, previously adjourned from the meeting of 24 April 2013.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence at 59 Commercial Road, Hereford.

The Chairman read out the guidance note and asked all parties to introduce themselves. He also heard any requests for an extension to the 10 minutes normally permitted for parties to make their representations. No requests were made.

The Licensing Manager presented her report and drew Members’ attention to two errors within it. Firstly she requested that the reference to a police review be removed and also advised that under paragraph 9.3 the terminal time for licensed activity should be amended from 2:00 am to 1:30 am. She also noted that the applicant had not made reference to the non-standard timings within his advertisement and that therefore this part of the application could not be granted.

James Mooney, representing West Mercia Police, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application. He drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to a number of verbal and written warnings given to the applicant for opening past his licenced hours. He advised Members that the premises were very close to the Cumulative Impact Zone but was not inside it, as the Licensing Authority had stated. He gave Members detailed statistics regarding the high level of alcohol related crime and disorder in the area and requested that the application be refused.

Fred Spriggs, representing the Licensing Authority, also addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application. He stated that he believed that the premises were inside the Cumulative Impact Zone although there was a stated case which also advised Councils to consider premises near to a CIZ. He gave members details of the previous licence at the premises which had been surrendered in December 2012 after the current applicant had failed to transfer the licence despite repeated requests from the Licensing Authority. He gave the Sub-Committee details of the breaches that had occurred at the premises with the most recent being on 20 April 2013. He confirmed that there had been no further breaches since April. He requested that if the Committee were minded to approve the application they considered appropriate conditions in order to promote the licensing objectives.

Bilge Kupeli attended the hearing as a translator for Murat Polat, the applicant. She advised that Mr Polat accepted what he had done wrong but did not understand the letters that he had received and could not afford to take appropriate legal advice. She advised the Sub-Committee that she had now translated all correspondence and he had a clearer understanding of his responsibilities. She added that this was Mr Polat’s first licence application and that she had assisted him over the last 6 weeks, hence why there had been no further breaches at the premises.

Mr Mooney confirmed that the police had initially recommended conditions and that a letter had been received from Mr Polat on 11 March 2013 stating that he was happy to agree to these conditions.

In response to a question from the Senior Litigator, Ms Kupeli advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20

To consider an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of ‘Marmaris Kebab House, 21 Union Street, Hereford, HR1 2BT’.

The Committee adjourned the determination of the application to allow the applicant sufficient time to secure translation services.

RESOLVED

THAT the determination of the application be adjourned for sufficient time to ensure that the applicant secures appropriate translation of the officer’s report and other key documents.