Issue - meetings

Becws Melyn, 41 B Stryd Fawr,  Llanberis LL55 4EU

To consider the application

DECISION: REFUSE

Reason: Lack of control to comply with the licensing objectives

·       Sarah Hopwood          Applicant 

·       Heather Jones               Llanberis Community Council 

·       Arwel Huw Thomas    Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Service  

·       Moira Duell Pari          Environmental Health, Cyngor Gwynedd 

Apologies were received from Jen Owen (a local resident who had submitted observations) and Elizabeth Williams (Licensing Officer, North Wales Police who had lost connection due to technical issues. ⁠ 

a)    Submitted – the report of the Licensing Manager giving details of the application to vary the premises licence of Becws Melyn, 41 B High Street, Llanberis. It was explained that Becws Melyn operated as a restaurant and small bar, with drinks served with food. The applicant was of the view that an extension to the opening time would be beneficial, and that the business had been licensed for a year and had been successfully managed over the summer without any issues. Alcohol sales were limited and therefore there was no potential for noise or unruly behaviour. 

Permission was sought to extend the sale of alcohol to commence at 09:00am instead of 12pm, and to extend the opening hours from 22:00 at night to 00:00 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Permission was also sought to extend the hours of live and recorded music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until 00:00.   

It was highlighted that the application's consultation period was extended to 13 August because it had not been advertised correctly, but it was confirmed that the Licensing Authority was satisfied that the application was advertised in line with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and the relevant regulations and was therefore valid.

She drew attention to the responses that had been received during the consultation period.

·       Llanberis Community Council objected the application as noise complaints had been received following one of the evenings held at the premises. It was also noted that noise carried when the front doors of the restaurant were open.

·       The Planning Service highlighted that an amended Planning consent permitted the premises to be open between 8:00 and 23:30, but the application to vary the licence went beyond those hours on four nights. It was also noted that the enforcement service had received complaints about noise. 

·       Nearby residents objected and they had highlighted their concerns, mainly in relation to the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder and a lack of confidence in the business owner's ability to control noise and anti-social behaviour at the premises.

·       The Public Protection Service had received complaints about noise disruption and the business was not adhering to the hours on the Planning consent. Highlighting a concern that insufficient information had been received from the applicant historically or presently on how they intended to operate to ensure that management measures and actions were in place to ensure that the licensing objectives were realised.

·       Although North Wales Police did not oppose the application as the proposed hours were no later than other licensed premises in the area, a comment was received that the Police had received a report regarding a music noise complaint  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5