Agenda item

Plas Weunydd Hotel, Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB

 

To consider the above application

To grant the application

 

Representing the premises:           

 

Mr Michael Bewick      Gwesty Plas Weunydd, Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog

                       

Others invited:

           

Mark Mortimer - Environmental Health Officer

 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Chair highlighted that each party would be allowed up to ten minutes to make their observations

 

a)            The Licensing Department's Report

 

Submitted – the report of the Licensing Manager giving details of the application for a premises licence for Gwesty Plas Weunydd, Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The application was made in relation to the sale of alcohol, live music on the premises, and recorded music on and off the premises

 

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 that had been recommended by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives, and it was highlighted that these measures would be included on the licence.

 

Attention was drawn to the responses that had been received during the consultation period. It was noted that observations had been received from the Police and the Public Protection Department, and that the applicant had already agreed to a compromise in relation to the proposed conditions:

 

·         It had been agreed to curtail the hours of playing music off the premises at 9p.m.

·         A temporary event notice would be submitted if it was intended to hold an event after 11p.m.

·         No bottle or recycling bins to be emptied after 9.30p.m.

·         To undertake a risk assessment and to employ door supervisors if this was deemed necessary by the risk assessment, or at any other time at the Police's request and agreement.

 

It was recommended that the Committee approved the application in accordance with what was agreed with the Public Protection Department and the Police and in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003. 

In considering the application, the following procedure was followed:-

·      Members of the Sub-committee and the applicant were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Licensing Manager

·      The Police were invited to expand on the application

·      Members of the Sub-committee were given an opportunity to ask questions of the Police

·      The licence holder, or their representative, was invited to respond to the observations

·      Consultees were given an opportunity to present their observations

·      Members of the Sub-committee were given an opportunity to ask questions of the licence holder and consultees

b)         Elaborating on the application, the applicant noted:

·                  The historic building had now been converted into a luxury hotel

·                  It was hoped that the site would be part of a future World Heritage Site

·                There was an increase in the number of visitors to the area – the hotel was responding to demand

·                  It was intended to provide a high value and high quality service to visitors

·                  The hotel would create jobs in the area

·                They intended to be good neighbours and to collaborate with the community – a safe and quiet stay was part of the service

 

c)         The consultees in attendance took the opportunity to expand on the observations they had submitted by letter.

 

Environmental Health Officer,

·      Llechwedd had complied with all the requirements

 

Reference was made to the observations received from the Police

 

ch)     Taking advantage of the opportunity to conclude his case, the applicant noted that he was happy with the contents of the written report, and the opportunity to submit the application.

 

d)      The applicant, the Licensing Manager and the Environmental Health Officer withdrew from the meeting whilst the members of the Sub-committee discussed the application

dd)       In reaching its decision, the Sub-committee considered the written comments submitted by interested parties, the Licensing Officer's report, and verbal comments from the applicant at the hearing. The Council's Licensing Policy and the Home Office guidelines were also considered. All considerations were weighed up against the licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003, namely:

                       i.       Prevention of crime and disorder

                      ii.       Prevention of public nuisance

                     iii.       Ensuring public safety

                     iv.       Protection of children from harm

RESOLVED to approve the application

 

The licence was given as follows:

 

1.             Opening hours: Sun-Sat 07:00-23:00

2.            Live music indoors: Sun-Sat 12:00-23:00

3.            Recorded music indoors: Sun-Sat 11:00-23:00

4.            Recorded music oudoors: Sun-Sat 11:00-21:00

5.            Alcohol to be consumed on the premises: Sun-Sat 11:00-23:00

6.            The issues in section M of the application for a licence (schedule of actions) to be included as conditions on the licence.

7.            The premises not to empty bottle and recycling bins after 21:30 each day.

8.            In relation to any special events, and at the request of the Police, the premises to undertake a written risk assessment and, if advised by the assessment, to employ SIA registered door supervisors for the event.

 

All parties were thanked for making representations on the application.

 

The Sub-committee gave due consideration to all the representations. 

 

It was noted that the neither the Public Protection Unit nor the Police had any objections to the application in principle. Public Protection had submitted a recommendation that the final hour of playing music outdoors was curtailed to 21:00, and that bottle and recycling bins should not be emptied after 21:30. Additionally, the Police recommended the inclusion of a condition requesting that a risk assessment be prepared, and if necessary, that a door supervisor should be employed for special events. The recommendations were submitted in order to promote the four objectives.

 

A condition regarding the need to request a temporary event notice was not included if it was intended to hold an event after 23:00 as it was not necessary to include such a condition. Under the circumstances, the Sub-committee was satisfied that the application, as amended, was in accordance with the four licensing objectives.

 

The Solicitor reported that the decision would be confirmed formally by letter to everyone who was present. He added that all parties to the application had the right to submit an appeal to Caernarfon Magistrates' Court against the Sub-committee's decision. Any such appeal should be lodged by giving notice of appeal to the Chief Executive, Llandudno Magistrates’ Court, Llandudno within 21 days of the date that the appellant received the letter (or a copy of the letter) confirming the decision.