Issue - meetings

An application has been received to vary the Premises Licence for the premises known as ‘The Boathouse, 9 Quay Road, Christchurch’.

This matter is brought before the Sub-Committee for determination.

Attendance:

From BCP Council:

Linda Cole, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee

Sarah Rogers, Senior Licensing Officer

Michelle Cutler, Clerk to the Sub-Committee

The Chairman made introductions and explained the procedure for the Hearing, which was agreed by all parties.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report at Agenda Item 6, a copy of which had been circulated to all parties prior to the meeting and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Sub-Committee was asked to consider an application to vary the Premises Licence for ‘The Boathouse’, 9 Quay Road, Christchurch BH23 1BU to remove condition 2.10 imposed on the licence which stated:- “This variation will only have effect during the imposition of restrictions under the Coronavirus Act 2020 prohibiting or rendering unviable the normal use of the premises under the Premises Licence.”

The Licensing Sub-Committee was advised that representations had been received from 20 other persons, which included a representations from Councillor Coulton of Christchurch Town Council and one from Christchurch Town Council as a whole, to the removal of this condition on the grounds that to grant the application would undermine all four licensing objectives.

The following persons attended the Hearing and addressed the Sub-Committee to expand on the points made in their written submissions:

Sandra Graham, Solicitor - Trethowans LLP representing Macemade Ltd

Mr Richard Slater – Manager of The Boathouse

Mr Kim Slater – Director of Macemade Ltd

Mrs Sarah King – ‘Other Person’

Mr Adrian and Mrs Ruth Dwyer – ‘Other Person’

Councillor Avril Coulton - Christchurch Town Council – ‘Other Person’

Mr Daniel Lucas - Town Clerk, Christchurch Town Council – ‘Other Person’

Mrs Graham addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant and explained how the business had developed at the Boathouse since the premises was purchased in 1998 and the changes that were required to trade through the pandemic. She advised that customers who had enjoyed these changes wished to continue to eat outside and enjoy the limited and less expensive offering from the airbus, which made it cheaper for families. Mrs Graham advised that her clients were a high-end responsible operator, that they liked to create a family environment and were constantly improving and investing in the premises to attract the right cliental. She produced some photographs of the outdoor area where the takeaway function was operated from.

Mrs Graham reminded the Sub-Committee that the ‘Quomps’ was a large public open space, which was intended to be used by local residents and visitors. She acknowledged some of the complaints that local residents had raised in their representations, such as dumped litter, glass and about groups of youths who congregated in the ‘Quomps’ but stated that all of those issues could not be attributed to the Boathouse. The Boathouse funded litter pickers to pick up all of the litter in the area and it was clear from the packaging of what was picked, it had not emanated from the Boathouse but other takeaways  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11