The Hearing gave consideration to a report by the Community and Planning Services Director giving details of an application for a Premises Licence for the Wonderlounge, 138A - 138B High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 1XE for a variation under the Licensing Act 2003. The application was made by The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory Limited, Seebeck House, 1 Seebeck Place, Knowhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8FR. It was noted that objections had been received and that accordingly the application had been referred to the Sub-Committee for determination. It was noted that the applicant had agreed conditions with the Police, which had been circulated to all parties prior to the Hearing along with a copy of the cocktail menu, and that they had therefore withdrawn their objections and would not be present at the Hearing. The Chairman advised that within the agenda it had stated that the Development Control Team had no adverse comments regarding the application, as a point of clarification it was noted that in fact no representation had been received from them within the relevant time limit.

The Hearing heard from the applicant’s representatives, and two local residents in support of the application. The applicant’s legal representative advised that the applicant wished to amend the application and apply for an extension of opening hours to 0130 hours and 0100 hours for permitted licensable activities on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. The applicant’s legal representative reminded the Hearing that conditions had been agreed between them and the Police who, as a result, had subsequently withdrawn their objections. They had also agreed some of the conditions recommended by the Environmental Health Officer as set out at Appendix D of the report.

The Hearing heard from the objectors who raised the concerns of residents, in particular the noise emanating from the use of the ‘rear garden’ area, and the general noise, disturbance and unruly behaviour of patrons exiting late licensed establishments.

The Chairman adjourned the Committee for the convenience of Members, Officers and members of the public, and to give the opportunity for the Council’s and applicant’s legal representatives to liaise on wording for further possible conditioning.

At 3.27 p.m. the Hearing adjourned.

At 3.37 p.m. the Hearing reconvened.

The Council’s legal adviser informed the Sub-Committee that they had agreed on possible conditions for the licence. The Chairman asked all those present whether they objected to Cllr. Mrs. Ayres attending the deliberations as an Observer. No objection was raised.

At 3.44 p.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Adviser and the Observer withdrew to consider the issues raised. At 4.34 p.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Adviser and Observer returned to the Council Chamber. The Chairman informed the Hearing that the Sub-Committee had had regard to the representations made by the Applicant and interested parties, to the guidance issued under s 183 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing policy.

In view of the reduced scope of the application, the fact that the Police and Environmental Health Officer had now withdrawn their objections and the extensive conditions accepted by the Applicant, the Sub Committee was satisfied that granting the application would be in accordance with the relevant licensing objectives.

It was therefore unanimously,

Resolved: That the Premises Licence and variation in respect of The Wonderlounge, 138A - 138B High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 1XE subject to the conditions contained in the licence attached as an appendix to these minutes, be granted.