To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

No interests were declared.

The Chair of the Sub-Committee advised all present of the process of the hearing. The Chair then invited the Licensing Officer to introduce the report as outlined within the agenda on pages 5 – 20.

Members, the applicants, and Essex Police were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officer. There were no questions from the applicants or Essex Police

Councillor Liddiard asked if a precedent would be set by the decision of the Sub-Committee this evening. Legal Advice would be needed.

Councillor Green (Chair) asked how many requests have been granted to sell alcohol in the Public Protection Order Area. Two granted thus far.

Councillor Abbas asked how many off licenses operated in the area. Twelve operators in Public Protection Order Area.

Essex Police was then given the opportunity to present their case during which Members heard the circumstances behind the objection to the temporary event notice. Essex Police stated the location was the issue not the applicants.

Members, the applicants, and the Licensing Officer were provided with the chance to ask questions of Essex Police. There were no questions from the Licensing Officers or applicants.

Councillor Abbas sought clarity why two similar events were approved and why there was an issue now. Essex Community Police were not aware of the updated Public Protection Order till 3 weeks ago.

Councillor Green (Chair) asked if there were any incident at the previous events. Police not aware.

After a short discussion with the Legal Advisor, Councillor Green (Chair) sort clarity regarding the exemption. Essex Police clarified s67 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime, and Policing Act 2014.

Councillor Green (Chair) allowed the Legal Advisor to ask a question. The Legal Advisor asked if it is suggested the application applies beyond the premisses itself. The premisses and area surrounding and maybe the whole park.

The applicants were then given the opportunity to present their case, during which Members heard the circumstances behind the application.

Members, Essex Police, and the Licensing Officer were provided with the chance to ask questions of the applicants. There were no questions from the Licensing Officers.

Councillor Liddiard asked if an alcohol licence could be applied for. Licensing Officer informed the committee it would be outside legal timeframes.

Councillor Abbas asked what the capacity is. 30 people. Councillor Abbas further asked if there was a policy only to serve alcohol to the people invited. They would have to be in the café, and they would ensure no alcohol was taken outside.

Councillor Liddiard asked if non-alcoholic wine could be served. Yes.

Councillor Green (Chair) asked if there were any incidents at last year’s event. No incidents

Councillor Abbas asked if the two previously allowed events were organised by the applicants. They were not.

Essex Police stated to the Sub-Committee that only two small glasses of mulled wine would be enough to trigger the drink drive limit.

All parties’ summaries their cases.

The Sub-Committee retired for deliberation at 15:29pm

The Sub-Committee returned at 15:41pm

The Legal Advisor read  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.