Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

An application for a Variation of a Premises Licence in respect of Slater's Bar, 41 Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TX was considered following representations received from Other Persons.

The Chair informed all present that Mr Rob Edge, agent for Hayley Hall, was an ex-employee of the City of Wolverhampton Council but assured all parties present that this would not affect the decision of the Sub-Committee.

The Chair led round-table introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed. All parties confirmed that they understood the procedure.

Ms Joanne Till, Section Leader, Licensing, provided an outline of the application. All parties confirmed that the summary was accurate.

Mr Heath Thomas, Solicitor representing Atkins Leisure Limited, questioned Mr Rob Edge’s introductory statement that he was representing Black Country Ales as there was no evidence of a representation from them.

Donna Cope, Democratic Services Officer, explained that an email containing representations from Black Country Ales had been received from Mr Edge on Friday 7 September 2018 and copies of the email were available for viewing if all parties were in agreement.

Following discussions between all parties it was agreed that the representation from Black Country Ales would not be considered at the hearing as the document had not been correctly served on all parties prior to the hearing.

The Chair invited the applicant to present the application. Mr Heath Thomas, Solicitor representing Atkins Leisure Limited, did so.

During his submission he referred to additional documentation that had been submitted to all interested parties on behalf of his client prior to the hearing. As this document had been served correctly, copies were distributed to members by the Donna Cope, Democratic Services Officer, for their consideration.

Mr Thomas advised the Committee that prior to submitting the application, his client had consulted with West Midlands Police and Environmental Health to ensure both Responsible Authorities were happy with the proposals.

Mr Thomas introduced Mrs Lucy Armstrong, a representative from Wolverhampton Business Improvement District. Mrs Armstrong confirmed that the proposed premises would be the first of its kind in the city centre and that there were no issues with the applicant’s existing premises within the city.

The Chair afforded all parties present the opportunity to question the applicant in relation to its representation. Mr Heath Thomas and Kelly Davis, Premises Manager, provided responses to questions asked.

The Chair invited Mr Rob Edge to make representations on behalf of his client, Hayley Hall. Mr Rob Edge did so. He stated that his client was extremely concerned that the trading hours applied for at the premises would add to the existing noise nuisance his client was experiencing. 

Mr Edge explained his concerns with the proposed operating schedule and did not feel the current licence conditions were robust enough should the variation be granted.

The Chair invited all parties present to question the Mr Rob Edge in relation to his submission.  Mr Rob Edge and his client, Hayley Hall, provided responses to questions asked.

The Chair invited Rev David Wright to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.