Agenda and minutes

Application for a variation of the premises licence for Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, Henley Road, Sandford-on-Thames, OX4 4GX

Summary

The application is for live music, recorded music, facilities for dancing, and late night refreshment outdoors until 1.00am seven nights per week. Full details are in the application form at Appendix 1.

Recommendation

That the panel consider the application to vary a premises licence and the objections to the application and decide whether to

a) grant the application as applied for;

b) grant the application with modified conditions; or

c) reject the application in whole or in part.

Attendance

The hearing is open to the public.

Only the applicant, his representatives, local authority officers, and those who wrote to the licensing authority (interested parties) during the consultation period may speak to the licensing panel.

Premises details and attendance

Premises Licence:                                  4304

Premises address:                                 Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford on Thames, OX4 4GX

Licensing Panel Councillors:                 Mrs Margaret Turner (Chairman)

                                                                  Ms Lynn Lloyd

                                                                  Mrs Ann Midwinter

Legal advisor:                                          Miss Sarah Commins

Licensing Officer:                                    Mr Bhavdip Nakum

Clerk:                                                        Mrs Jennifer Thompson

Representing the applicant:                   Mr Jonathan Oldroyd, General Manager

                                                                  Mr Rex Clayton, Regional manager

                                                                  Ms Wendy Procter, Regional General

                                                                  Manager for Oxfordshire

Environmental Protection:                      Mr Sam Bryan

Interested Parties:                                   none in attendance

Reason for Hearing

To determine the application for a variation to a premises licence for made under section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 (“the Act”)

Hearing

Written evidence considered

The Panel considered the following:

·        report of the licensing officer, which included copies of the premises licence variation application, a representation from environmental protection, two relevant representations from three local residents, and a late representation from a local resident.

·        additional documents submitted by the applicant in support of the application, circulated to the Panel in advance and available at the hearing which included a statement by Rex Clayton dated 22 April 2013, photographs of the premises and an architects drawing of modifications to the premises

Oral Evidence

The Panel heard from the licensing officer, the applicant and his representatives, and from the environmental protection officer.

The applicant explained that the application was to allow the premises to provide sale and consumption of alcohol and regulated entertainment in two courtyard areas; one open and one enclosed by a glazed and air-conditioned conservatory. There was no extension to the current hours of operation. Using the photographs and drawings submitted in advance to the Panel the applicant explained how the newly constructed areas would be used; the intention being to provide dining in the conservatory and occasional functions involving regulated entertainment.  These would be neither regular nor frequent, but would avoid the previous need to apply for temporary event notices.

The applicant explained that this would reduce the need to hire a marquee for most functions except the annual Oxford Business Awards which was a very large event. The applicant explained that in the past the hotel had often received last-minute requests for regulated entertainment too late to allow them to apply for a temporary event notice. Currently during events including regulated entertainment a member of staff would be outside on the perimeter to ensure noise levels remained acceptable, and those providing entertainment were made aware of their responsibilities. Action to reduce noise was taken where necessary.

Upon being questioned by a member of the Panel the applicant confirmed that they would be agreeable to a 12.00am finish for events in the open courtyard if required

The applicant stated that there was a commitment to good management to avoid disruption to residents of the hotel and neighbouring properties. The number of bedrooms at the hotel was being increased by 22 which created more need for dining provision.

The environmental protection officer confirmed that in his view the conditions proposed would be sufficient to prevent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.