Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Bryn Pritchard Jones (Maritime Service Manager) and Mr Phil Thomas (Local Resident) 

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

None to note

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

To consider the application

DECISION: To approve

Opening Hours:

Sunday 11:00 – 22:00 

Monday 11:00 – 22:00 

Tuesday 11:00 – 22:00 

Wednesday 11:00 – 22:00 

Thursday 11:00 – 22:00 

Friday 11:00 – 22:00 

Saturday 11:00 – 22:00

Licensable Activities: 

Supply of Alcohol: On and off the premises

Sunday 11:00 – 22:00 

Monday 11:00 – 22:00 

Tuesday 11:00 – 22:00 

Wednesday 11:00 – 22:00 

Thursday 11:00 – 22:00 

Friday 11:00 – 22:00 

Saturday 11:00 – 22:00

The additional measures, as set out in part M of the application, to be included as conditions on the license.

• Staff Training.
• Challenge 25.
• Alcohol ordered as off sales for delivery will be sold in sealed containers.
• All other alcohol sales for consumption on and off the premises will be sold in reusable plastic cups under a deposit scheme.

• CCTV operational on site.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

a)               The Licensing Department's Report

The report of the Head of the Environment Department was presented giving details of a premises licence application for Otto's Aberdyfi, Unit 2, Information Centre, The Wharf, Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED. It was explained that the premises was a small café located in the wharf gardens in Aberdyfi which had a designated outdoor seating area facing the sea, away from the road and residences. It was highlighted that the area was rented from Aberdyfi Harbour and Cyngor Gwynedd.

It was noted that the café sells pizzas, sandwiches etc from the premises for consumption on the premises in the outdoor area, or off the premises as a take-away. It was also proposed to sell alcohol to be consumed on the premises on a daily basis or to be sold with take-away food in sealed containers – the applicant was applying for a licence to sell alcohol (on and off the premises) from 11:00 – 22:00, Monday to Sunday. The opening times will vary according to the season.

It was noted that the Licensing Authority Officers had sufficient evidence that the application had been submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and the relevant regulations. Reference was made to the measures recommended by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives, and it was highlighted that these measures would be included on the licence.

It was reported that the Responsible Authorities had not submitted comments, but responses received from members of the public and the Maritime Service were highlighted. The public was concerned from a safety perspective that an application for any alcohol sales near the port/harbour could lead to accidents near an area where families with children enjoy crab fishing. Concern was also highlighted

·        that combining the sale of alcohol with the sale of food to be consumed off the premises would increase the possibility that the Wharf Gardens would be used to consume food, and any alcohol purchased at the same time – this increased the possibility of anti-social behaviour issues, including unfair and inappropriate noise, odours, waste (including glass).

·        the restaurant's location was in a very busy area on the harbour in Aberdyfi – with active fishing boats and vehicles launching and loading. Y Gwaun, which was run by the Harbour Manager, was busy with safety issues.

The Maritime Service's comments indicated concern that the applicant had not received permission from the Aberdyfi Harbour Advisory Committee prior to submitting an application for the sale of alcohol.

The officers, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, recommended that the Committee consider the respondents' comments, and the applicant's response to the concerns – and approve the application. It was considered that the hours requested were reasonable, and in-keeping with similar nearby businesses. The business's primary purpose was not to sell alcohol; the proposal was for the sale of alcohol to accompany and complement the sale of food from the premises. The premises s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.