Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all those present, introduced the Members, and explained the order of the meeting.

Members were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non pecuniary interests relating to items on the agenda. 

NOTED that there were no declarations of interest.

To consider the application for a new premises licence (Report No: 20). 

RECEIVED an application made by Ms Cristina Teixeira for a Premises Licence for the premises known as and situated at Funky Lounge, 111 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London, N13 4SP.

1.   The opening statement of Mark Galvayne, Principal Licensing Officer, including the following points:

a.  The application was made by Ms Cristina Teixeira for a new Premises Licence for Funky Lounge.

b.  The application was subject to representations from three parties: the Metropolitan Police, the Licensing Authority, and local residents.

c.  The local residents’ objection was set out on pages 34-37 of the agenda pack. Residents had confirmed they were unable to attend this meeting in person, but wished their written representation to be considered.

d.  All three objectors considered it necessary to reject this application.

e.  If the Licensing Sub-Committee (LSC) were minded, having heard all representations, to grant the application in full or in part, proposed conditions were set out on pages 39-41.

2.   In response to the Chairman’s query, it was advised that this premises did not have any licence under the Licensing Act.

3.   PC Martyn Fisher, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, advised that late evidence had been received by Licensing Team yesterday, which coincided with his evidence, and which had been shared with representatives of Funky Lounge. He wished to submit this evidence as part of the Metropolitan Police representation.

4.   The solicitor representing Funky Lounge expressed a strong objection to the submission of the evidence referred to above.

5.   The Chairman did not agree to receive any written papers at the meeting.

6.   The opening statement of Ellie Green, Principal Trading Standards Officer, including the following points:

a.  The Licensing Authority had considered the application and noted the content of the letter to neighbours written by the applicant in response to the representations. The Licensing Authority still considered it was appropriate to object to the application in its entirety.

b.  The premises was in a busy commercial area and backed onto residential properties.

c.  The premises had planning permission to operate as a coffee lounge from 10:00 to 22:00, to safeguard the amenities of nearby residential properties. The opening hours requested in this licensing application exceeded those granted by planning permission.

d.  The Licensing Authority representation was set out on pages 30-33.

e.  Officers had visited the premises in 2011, and observed evidence of alcohol and smoking.

f.  The premises had a significant history of complaints, mainly in relation to noise and customer activity late at night. There were also a number of drug-related complaints. Since the application was submitted on 2 May 2013, Police had visited and drugs were found.

g.  The Licensing Authority supported the Police representation and their reports of drug-related allegations, smoking and gambling activities.

h.  The Licensing Authority supported the residents’ representation letter and their concerns.

i.  Since the report was completed, the premises seemed to have been closed for refurbishment, so no further observations had been able to take place.

j.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

To receive and agree the minutes of the meetings held on:

• Wednesday 30 January 2013
• Wednesday 17 April 2013. 

RECEIVED the minutes of the meetings held on 30/1/13 and 17/4/13, with apologies that three dates were erroneously listed on the agenda front page.

AGREED that the minutes of the meetings held on 30 January 2013 and 17 April 2013 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.