Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor C Thomas be appointed Chair for the hearing

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of Papp’s Café, 225 Holbrook Lane, Coventry.

Note: The applicant and their representative have been invited to attend the

  hearing.

  Persons who have made representations have been invited to attend.

The City Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy is available on the Council’s website. Alternatively, please contact us if you require a hard copy.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new Premises Licence in respect of Papp’s Café, 225 Holbrook Lane, Coventry. The application was for the sale/supply of alcohol (on and off sales) Monday to Sunday, 0800hrs to 1800hrs.

One objection had been received to the application, including a petition with 14 signatures from local residents. None of the Responsible Authorities had objected.

The Sub-Committee’s statutory duty was to consider the application and any representations and to take such steps as contained in the Licensing Act 2003 as it considered appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Officer presented the report, confirming that the application was for a new Premises Licence and that the Applicant had been granted a Personal Licence in May 2020. She further advised that a mediation meeting had been offered to the Applicant and Objectors, which the Applicant attended but the Objectors did not.

The Applicant presented her case. She explained that she had developed a niche concept, combining coffee with artisan chocolate. She wanted to create a space for customers to come and enjoy cake and other treats with a glass of carefully selected collectible or limited-edition wine. She also wanted to create gifts with the wines and had purposefully chosen modest hours as she did not want the café to become a late night venue.

The Sub Committee asked what was in place before the Applicant took over and what impact she believed the business would have. The Applicant responded that the shop was previously a takeaway food business and that she hoped her business would have a positive impact on the community. She has tried to create a lovely atmosphere and the reviews on her Facebook page demonstrated this.

The Sub Committee asked whether there were businesses with a similar concept anywhere else in the city, to which the Applicant said there was one that she knew of which she had visited herself, and had a positive experience there.

The Sub Committee asked why there was a need for off sales and the Applicant confirmed that this would be to make gifts with collectible wines that customers could buy.

The Sub Committee asked whether the Applicant intended for customers to be able to use the space outside, but the Applicant said this would not be possible and she has put flowers out the front to discourage people from gathering and leaning against the wall. She has two parking spaces outside the front.

Finally, the Sub Committee asked whether the Applicant ran any other premises and she confirmed that Papp’s Café is her only business.

The Objectors were then given an opportunity to present their case.

They explained that they are both mental health nurses and live next to the premises. They had concerns that granting a premises licence would create a risk for vulnerable adults in the area as well as children living in the vicinity. They believed that alcohol brings crime and disorder, and changes a consumers behaviour.

The Objectors believe  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of business.