There were no apologies for absence.

No interests were declared at the meeting.

The sub-committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) concerning an application by Eggbro’s Ltd. for the grant of a premises licence at Eggbro’s, 194 Leigh Road Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1BS.

The application sought the following:

(a) The supply of alcohol for consumption on & off the premises, daily from 08:00 to 19:00, and

(b) Hours the premises are open to the Public, daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

The application was presented by Mr Paul Richards (21st Century Licensing), the Applicant’s Licensing Consultant. Ms J Ralph (Share Director of Eggbro’s Ltd) was also in attendance and gave evidence.

The sub-committee noted that no letters of objections to this application had been received from any of the Responsible Authorities, although conditions had been agreed with the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health, both acting as a Responsible Authority during the consultation period, should the application be granted.  These conditions were set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report of the Council’s Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment).

Four (4) representations had, however, been received objecting to the application during the consultation period. Two (2) were from local residents and two (2) from Limited Companies having an interest in neighbouring properties, although these representations were sent by persons with the same surname which appears to be the company officer making these representations via two separate companies.

One of the objectors attended the meeting and gave evidence.  Copies of all the valid written representations were provided to the sub-committee.  The objections/representations essentially related to all four of the licensing objectives.

The sub-committee heard that the premises had recently changed hands and that the new business was to be managed as café/restaurant, serving breakfast/brunch lunches with a glass of beer, wine or prosecco only with the food. The premises had been operating without serving alcohol but, as a result of enquiries from patrons to the premises, the intention was now to offer such refreshments with the food.  Food would be supplied to the visitors of the soft play facility upstairs, which was provided by a completely separate company and not connected to the business in any other way.  It was anticipated that the premises would open from 9.00 hrs. daily and would in most instances probably close at between 14.00 to 17.00 hrs depending on the day, with the flexibility of closing at 20.00 hrs should there be a children’s party and the applicant offered to amend the application accordingly. There was currently no intention to sell spirits or to provide late night refreshment and alcohol late in the evening. Drinks would also be served by waiter/waitress service to guests seated at tables and no open drinking vessels containing alcohol would be permitted to be taken outside or anywhere off the premises to be licensed.  The applicant offered to erect appropriate signage informing patrons of this restriction and to include a note of this on the menu.  Smokers would be directed outside to the front of the premises for smoking and the applicant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 231.