Councillor Dart was elected as Chairman for the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of a Sub-Committee held on 20 May 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 20 May 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider an application for a Variation to a Premises Licence in respect of Quay Nightclub 26 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ21 2BD.

Members considered a report on an application for a variation to the Premises Licence in respect of Quay Nightclub, 26 Victoria Parade, Torquay.

 Written Representations received from:

Additional Information:

Prior to the Hearing commencing, the Applicant requested document titled ‘ER Global Securing Your Future – Comprehensive Safety and Security plan’ be circulated. All other parties present, unanimously determined that that this not be permitted, due to it only being available on the morning of the hearing and the reasonable time it would take to fully consider its contents.  Applicants advised accordingly.

Decision

That the application for a variation to the Premises Licence in respect of The Quay, 26 Victoria Parade, Torquay be refused.

Reasons for Decision

Having carefully considered all the written and oral submissions, Members determined unanimously to refuse the application, as they could not be satisfied on the evidence before them, that Licensing Objectives would be promoted and in accordance with the Authority’s Licensing Statement of Principles – Cumulative Impact Policy 2021`-2024, they could not be satisfied that in granting this application, the premises which are situated in the Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) would not add to crime and disorder and/or public nuisance in that area.

In coming to that decision, Members had careful regard to the submissions of the Responsible Authorities who unanimously stated that they had concerns with this application, due to the high volume of premises already permitted to sell alcohol in the CIA after midnight and the belief that this premises operation would add to crime and disorder and public nuisance if granted an extended licence, the absence of a solid and ever changing business plan or professional approach required to run a high risk licensed premises, inexperience presented by the Applicants in their engagement to date, the reliance on Responsibly Authority Officers opinions in respect of operational matters and being reactive in their decision making as opposed to being proactive, the absence of strong management and oversight required to operate a 4am premises licence; and despite the Applicants claiming that they will have an active role in the day to day management of the premises, the apparent reliance of others to operate their premises, with a hands off approach, especially at peak times, with one of the Applicants  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.