Apologies for absence and notification of substitute members.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Summerfield and Councillor Birt was present as his substitute.

Councillor Birt was proposed, seconded and duly elected as the Chairman for the meeting.

The Chairman introduced the Sub-Committee and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

(enclosed)

The procedures were set out in the agenda which had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Chairman drew attention to the procedures.

Admiral Taverns (Cygnet) Ltd

The Old Sun Public House

34 Sundon Road

Harlington LU5 6NQ

Mr Butler – Landlord, The Old Sun Public House

Mr M Collins – Representative of Admiral Taverns

Mr J Harfield – Harlington Parish Council

Mrs Bishop – local resident

Observer – local resident accompanying Mrs Bishop (did not speak)

The application was submitted by Admiral Taverns (Cygnet) Ltd to vary an existing premises licence for the premises known as The Old Sun Public House, 34 Sundon Road, Harlington, LU5 6NQ.

The application sought to allow the extension of opening hours of the premises to permit the sale of alcohol from the present hours of 11.00 to 23.00 Monday to Sunday to new hours as follows:-

• Monday to Thursday 11.00 – 23.59
• Friday and Saturday 11.00 – 02.00
• Sunday 11.00 – 23.00

and provide for regulated entertainment including films, live music and recorded music.

A copy of the application form was attached to the report at Appendix A.

(enclosed)

The Chairman drew attention to the four Licensing Objectives which were set out in the report.

(enclosed)

The Licensing Sub-Committee received and considered an application submitted by Admiral Taverns (Cygnet) Ltd for the premises known as The Old Sun Public House, 34 Sundon Road, Harlington. The landlord of The Old Sun and his solicitor attended the meeting.

The Chairman outlined the procedure to be followed and persons representing each interest were in turn given the opportunity to speak and to ask questions.

The Licensing Officer introduced the item and explained the changes to the current licence which had been requested. It was noted that these related to the hours of supply of alcohol and cooked food, and provision of entertainment including films, recorded and live music. The details of the application were set out on pages 17, 20, 21, 28 and 29 of the agenda circulated in advance of the meeting. He also drew attention to the conditions recommended by the Environmental Health team and by the Police Licensing Officer which had been agreed by the applicant to be added to any varied licence granted.

The landlord made representations in support of the application. He alluded to the current position of 2 pubs closing each week and gave his view that it was necessary to look after the remaining ones. He considered that this application helped to revive the viability of The Old Sun Public House. He said that supportive comments had been made to him by local people. He indicated that he understood concerns regarding excessive noise and explained that currently no music was permitted in the garden and this would not change, and live music inside the building would be acoustic only, for example Folk music evenings.  He also explained that he did not intend to open late every weekend but wanted the licence to be in place so he could respond to customers’ requests.

Mr Butler added that since taking over the running of The Sun Inn he had stopped the use of illegal drugs there and had reduced the noise levels. He considered that it was now well managed. He understood that complaints had been made prior to his management of the pub but that no formal complaints had been made since he took it on, despite some late nights having occurred under temporary arrangements.

In response to a question Mr Butler commented that car parking was not a problem as few cars used the car park  and there was always plenty of space. Taxi drivers were encouraged to stop at the front of the building to minimise the impact of door-closing on local residents. He added that parking could be available at the Village Hall and he was willing to install signs accordingly if this was required. A comment was made later at the meeting that although there were some events at the Village Hall when the car park was available in the evening, the car-park might be shut after 10.30pm on some evenings.

A representative of Harlington Parish Council, Mr Harfield, commented on the application. He advised that the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.