Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a chairman for this hearing. 

The panel elected Councillor Charlotte Dickson as chairman for the meeting.

To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests in respect of items on the agenda for this meeting.  

None.

To note the procedure for this meeting. 

The chairman outlined the procedure which is contained within the agenda pack.

To consider the head of legal and democratic service’s report.  

Nigel Connor, solicitor, and Rachel Turner, area manager were present to represent J D Wetherspoons, the applicant. Also present, in an observer role, were Rupert Stephens and Nick Piasechi, who were representatives of the landlord: London and Economic Properties Ltd.

Celia Warman, a local resident, was present to raise concerns about the application.

Kate Fisher, the licensing officer, presented her report: highlighting the major issues including the proposed opening and licensing hours and the objections raised.

Neither the Panel, nor the applicant, nor the objector had any questions for the licensing officer.

Nigel Connor, spoke on behalf of the applicant. He presented the case and highlighted some amendments which had been agreed by the applicant and which were within the officer’s report.

Mr Connor explained Wetherspoon’s raison d’être as providing an all age environment and being food led. There would be approximately 120 covers presented on permanent tables and chairs and children would be welcome, with adults, until 9.30 pm. The company sold real ale and did not run happy hour type promotions.

Abingdon on Thames Town Council had raised concerns about the sale of alcohol at 8.00 am. Mr Connor explained that this was largely to service shift workers and was a low volume of sales. He also explained that although alcohol sold was “good value”, Wetherspoons pubs had good management and supervision in place.

In answer to questions from the Panel and Mrs Warman, Mr Connor made the following points.

• The nature of the business was predominately families and food.
• Wetherspoons had good management process and practices.
• There were strong control measures in place.
• There would be two managers on site at peak times.
• There was a comprehensive staff training programme.
• Wetherspoons had a good relationship with the police.
• Dispersal at the end of an evening was generally not a huge problem as there was no entertainments programme.
• Wetherspoons prided itself on community liaison and links with neighbours: businesses and residents.
• Wetherspoons was part of the Challenge 21 scheme: asking younger customers to provide identification.
• The chain use Serve Legal to test staff serving those drinkers who may look underage.
• Refusal to serve and request for ID are logged on the till and monitored.
• Wetherspoons do not serve people who appear to be overly intoxicated.
• Refusals to serve due to over intoxication are recorded on the till and monitored.
• Door staff are employed during busier periods.
• Managers are pro-active and walk the floor and check the toilets regularly.
• Wetherspoons is keen to manage any problems relating to people. hanging around outside the front of the pub and to discourage smoking on the pavement as it gives a negative image of the pub.
• Mangers check the front at 30 minute intervals and sweep up butts and other litter where appropriate.
• Deliveries will be made to the rear of the pub in the existing service area, which is where refuse will be stored.
• CCTV will be used in all customer areas and at the front and rear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.