Agenda and draft minutes

Report of the Licensing Manager. 

The Sub-Committee comprised of Councillors Martin Bottoms (Chair), Louise Belcher and John Hanson.

The Legal Adviser was Daniel Spencer, Solicitor.

The Democratic Support Officer was Sarah Moorghen.

The Chair explained the procedure to those present and stated that the hearing would be a discussion led by the licensing authority, and any questions would be put through the Chair.

The Sub-Committee was requested to determine an application for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, submitted by The Sultan of Lancaster Express Ltd, 9 Villas Court, Lancaster, LA1 1TR following the receipt of relevant representations. The application was for a late-night refreshment licence. During the 28 day consultation there were no objections from any of the Responsible Authorities; however, there was one objection from an Other Person, as defined in the Licensing Act 2003. namely a Mr Horton, with his objection relating to the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective.

The concerns of Mr Horton relate predominantly to public nuisance where it is perceived that the noise from the kitchen extraction fan will impact the local resident into the early hours of the morning. Furthermore, he believes that they will be impacted by further noise nuisance with vehicles coming and going, vehicle doors shutting and people talking, as well as noise from use of the outside bins. Mr Horton believes that should members decide to grant this licence then there would be a strong likelihood of an increase to noise nuisance in the area.

The Licensing Manager, Jennifer Curtis, introduced the report and answered questions.

Mr Ridwan Munshi, Sultan of Lancaster Express Director, was in attendance alongside Mr Nawaz Munshi, manager of Sultan of Lancaster Express. They stated that they have been operating businesses for 18 years. They currently also operate the Sultan Experience at the University, so they are well aware of how to operate a premises next to residential premises. They know how to minimise noise and how to work with security to reduce noise from the premises. They stated that they are able to install silent fans, which minimises noise. They will instruct drivers to open and close doors silently, and they could park on the main road. They have their own drivers so they can control what they do, as opposed to external drivers. They will also train staff to keep noise to a minimum. They intend to maintain a log of any incidents and complaints. They are willing to work with local residents and have regular meeting to discuss any issues that may arise.

Mr Horton was also in attendance as an objector to the application. He read through his written objection and stated he was very concerned about the noise from the premises and in particular the noise of fans and from parking outside his address. If vehicles parked around the corner that would assist. He would welcome any measures that would reduce the noise. If the application is granted, he is concerned that the noise will continue until the early  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.