To consider an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of the Bank, 6-8 Fleet Street, Torquay.

Members considered a report on an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Bank, 6 – 8 Fleet Street, Torquay. 

Written representations received from:

Oral Representations received from:

Decision:

That the application for a Premises Licence in respect of Bank, 6 – 8 Fleet Street, Torquay, be granted as applied for, subject to the following amendment:

‘Training should be recorded in documentary form and shall be regularly refreshed, at no greater than (insert) intervals’

shall now read:

‘Training should be recorded in documentary form and shall be regularly refreshed, at no greater than 12 monthly intervals’. 

Reasons for Decision:

Having carefully considered all the written and oral Representations, Members unanimously resolved to grant the application, having been satisfied that with the agreed amendment, all the Licensing Objectives would be promoted.

In coming to their decision, Members had careful regard to the location of the premises which was within a mixed-use area, the proximity of residential properties together with the history of the premises, and were reassured by the Applicant’s professionally responsible and measured approach, as demonstrated in his oral Representation. 

Members heard that the intended use of the property was for it to become an asset for community and small business use opening from 08.00 hours and closing at 16.00 hours on weekdays, and with closure by 23.00 hours on Friday and Saturday evenings with a capacity of approximately 30-40 patrons both upstairs and downstairs.  Despite the premises having a large kitchen it was not intended that main meals would be prepared.

However, whilst Members were supportive of the investment in the premises and wanted to see the building brought back into use, they heard an oral Representation from a resident of an adjoining property, relating to anticipated noise nuisance particularly relating to any pavement café area.  The Applicant confirmed that whilst he intended to apply for a Pavement Café Licence, this would not include the side return of the premises and would be limited to a 10-metre section along the front of the building.  Members noted that this confirmation brought reassurance to the objector.

Members gave careful consideration as to requiring the premises to have SIA trained door staff present on Friday and Saturday nights, however, did not feel that this would have been a necessary and proportionate condition to add at this time providing the requirement of door staff was kept under review. Members were reassured by the Applicant’s confirmation that consideration and enquiries had been made in this regard.

Members felt that the Representatives’ concerns were alleviated by the Applicant’s submissions.  Furthermore, Members noted the commitment and willingness of the Applicant to operate the premises in harmony with nearby residents and his intention to be kind to nearby residents and attract high quality staff.  All of which in Members’ opinion, would seek to promote the Licensing Objectives and to this, they were reassured.

In concluding, Members noted that no Representations had been received in respect of this application from any Responsible Authority, which was within the Authority’s Cumulative Impact Area, and determined in all the circumstances, that the Licensing Objectives would not be undermined in granting this application.  Members further noted that a Review of the Premises Licence could be sought by any Responsible Authority or any other person should issues arise as a result of granting this Licence.