Agenda and minutes

To consider an application for a new premises licence in respect of The Bramley House Hotel, 15 High Street, Chatteris PE16 6BE

Members considered an application for the review of a premises licence made under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of The Bramley House Hotel, Chatteris.

The Chairman introduced the Panel and Officers. Others present were;

Mr Thomas Payne – The Applicant

Mr Justin Preston-High – Proposed Designated Premises Supervisor

Michelle Bishop presented the report to the Panel. She confirmed that initially six objections had been received however following mediation with the applicant and objectors, three of these had been resolved.

The Panel had no questions for Michelle Bishop.

Councillor Humphrey invited the applicants to present their case.

Thomas Payne thanked the Panel for allowing them the opportunity to speak at today’s meeting. He explained that he and his partner had purchased the property in October 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and are focused on getting the business back up and running.

He explained that many of the guests and residents at the hotel, expect the premises to benefit from an alcohol licence and confirmed that there are several bookings secured at the venue already. They had recently declined a booking, as the guest had wanted a marquee in the premises car park which they felt could impact neighbouring properties. He stated that the lack of an alcohol licence would have a detrimental impact on the business and could even make in unviable. He highlighted that the premises had previously benefited from a licence and as far as he is aware, there had been no issues with this.

Mr Payne confirmed that he had received a great deal of public support on social media, with many same-sex couples and single women expressing support of the premises following negative experiences elsewhere. Regarding the objections received, one of the concerns related to the premise’s proximity to residential properties however he argued that the property is situated in the town’s high street and surrounded by other businesses.

Mr Payne said he was passionate about the regeneration of Chatteris and wants to provide safe, enjoyable location for residents and has no intention of causing any issues for the neighbouring properties.

Councillor Humphrey invited the Panel to ask questions;

1.    Councillor Maul asked how many people the business currently employees and whether this would increase in the future. Mr Payne confirmed that currently there are 4 employees, not including himself and Mr Preston-High, and they would look to increase this number in the future dependent on business demand. Mr Preston-High highlighted that an event such as a wedding, employs up to 20 people via local businesses such as cake makers, caterers, and florists etc.

2.    Councillor Maul asked what training was in place to adopt and enforce Challenge 25, as referenced on page 32 of the agenda pack. Mr Preston-High confirmed that all staff will undertake in-house training and they plan to enrol staff in an online college course to ensure they are compliant with all legislation and guidelines.

3.    Councillor Maul queried that there was no bar area highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item LH3/20