Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, or other registrable and non-registrable interests.

Report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services enclosed.

The Sub-Committee met to consider the application of Ribble Valley Gin Company for a premises licence in respect of Unit 6, Union Mill, Watt Street, Sabden BB7 9ED.

The Sub-Committee considered the contents of the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services dated 10 August 2022 and its appendices.

The Council’s Solicitor introduced the premises licence application and confirmed that 3 written representations had been made by way of objection as detailed in the report, however, there were no objectors in attendance. The report confirmed the requested opening hours of the premises being Sunday to Wednesday 1000hrs-1600hrs, Thursday 1000hrs – 2100hrs, Friday and Saturday 1000hrs-2200hrs. The 24 hour sale of alcohol was requested for internet and telephone orders.  

The premises licence applicant, Ms Justine Moyes, gave verbal representation to the Committee and explained that Ribble Valley Gin Company was currently producing their product from a residential property outbuilding, which they had outgrown, and they were therefore looking to expand the business. In addition, the business wanted to offer distillery tours, tastings and gin school to take place on prebooked dates. Ms Ruth Harrison also attended with the applicant and pointed out that the intention was not to open a bar, where visitors can drink unlimited amounts, but to offer refined tastings to customers with an interest in their product and wanting to learn more about it, therefore, drunken behaviour would not be anticipated or acceptable.

The applicant responded to a number of questions raised by the Committee and explained that the business would be working with the Council’s Tourism Officer to advertise and promote tourism to the area. They would actively ensure the area around the building is kept tidy and provide a facility to dispose of cigarette buts if required. Premises staff would offer to arrange taxis for customers as required and were looking at options such as a ‘designated driver’ tour, where a non-drinker would be offered the option of taking their samples home or trying alcohol free alternatives. The applicant also explained their plan on how waste will be stored and locked, and was aware of the times in which it would be permitted to dispose of waste, such as bottles, according to the licensing conditions. The premises would expect minimal footfall in the shop but would like locals to have the option of buying directly.

The Council’s Solicitor noted the contents of the report, being that the applicant had met with the Lancashire Constabulary and agreed to an additional 6 licensing conditions, and Environmental Health had recommended 2 further conditions which had also been agreed.

The Licensing Sub-Committee gave careful consideration to the written representations made in objection to the application, and the verbal representations by the applicant.  The Sub-Committee also considered the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003, the Statutory Guidance, the licensing objectives, the relevant regulations, and the Council's licensing policy.

Having considered all of the above the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the Applicant’s application for a premises licence as applied for.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 201.

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