Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was confirmed that all items of business were in Part I and would be considered in public.

None.

Introduction

Jhini Mukherjee, Licensing Officer, introduced the application for the grant of a new premises licence: The Farm Restaurant & Bar, 55 Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 3AE. The information in the addendum was also highlighted. The application was for the authorisation of the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 23:00 hours. The proposed opening hours were Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 23:30 hours. The Sub-Committee was provided with an overview of the application and was informed that one objection had been received from a local resident. A mediation meeting had been held on 1 November 2023, but no agreement had been reached. The Sub-Committee was invited to determine the application.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, it was confirmed that no Members’ Enquiries or representations from responsible authorities had been received in relation to the application. The image on page 72 of the agenda pack showed the blue notice which had been displayed at the premises on the day the application had been received. The application had also been published in the newspaper within 10 working days of the submission of the application.

The Applicant

Mr Graham Hopkins of GT Licensing Consultants, the applicant’s representative, presented the application to the Sub-Committee, noting that the applicant, Ms Rachel Huynh, had relevant experience having previously worked in the restaurant industry as an Assistant Manager. Ms Huynh had also undertaken other management roles in the education sector.

The proposal was for a food-led high-end restaurant and bar on the former Barclays Bank site in Northwood. The ground floor would have capacity for 50 seated covers plus five or six at the bar. The first floor would be brought into use at busy periods and would have capacity for a further 54 covers. It would also be used for events such as birthday parties. There would be no vertical drinking and alcohol would only be consumed on the premises; however, the option to serve alcohol without a meal was requested. There would be no off-sales.

The application proposed that last orders would be at 22:30 with alcohol being served until 23:00. The premises would close at 23:30 hours. There would be a staggered leaving policy to minimise noise and disturbance to neighbours and a dedicated area in the restaurant for those awaiting a taxi.  A maximum of ten smokers would be allowed at the front of the restaurant - ashtrays would be provided and emptied regularly. A member of staff stationed at the door from 23:00 hours would ensure customers left quietly.

CCTV would be in place as would a Challenge 25 Policy (rather than the Challenge 21 Policy offered in the original application). External lighting would be in place for safety reasons but would not interfere with neighbours. Background music would be played but there would be no live or recorded entertainment at the premises. No children under the age of 16 would be admitted unless accompanied by an adult. A condition restricting the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.