The Babergh Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application was made by Onur Ozcelik for Market Square, Market Place, Lavenham in Sudbury. The sub-committee was scheduled to determine whether to grant the licence, and if so, under what conditions.

New Premises Licence Application: Market Square, Market Place, Lavenham CO10 9QZ

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Licensing Team regarding an application made by Onur Ozcelik for a new premises licence at Market Square, Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9QZ.

The report pack included the application, a plan of the area to be licensed, additional conditions agreed with the Environmental Protection Team, and representations made by other persons.

Details of the Application

Onur Ozcelik applied for a licence to operate a mobile wine bar from a catering trailer in the Market Square between 1 April and 30 September each year. The trailer would be located in the horseshoe area inside the car parking bays. The licensed area would also include the raised pavement area surrounding the war memorial, extending to the area outside the Toll House, where portable tables and chairs would be placed for customers. The applicant proposed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 12:00 and 21:00 each day.

Mr Ozcelik is a personal licence holder with Islington Council.

The applicant stated that the trailer would be moved off the premises each evening, and all tables and seating would be removed to return the area to its original public use.

Licensing Objectives

The report pack stated that the sub-committee must consider steps appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, which are:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance
• the protection of children from harm

The report pack included details of steps that Mr Ozcelik proposed to take to promote the four licensing objectives. These included staff training, maintaining a clean environment, and managing noise levels.

Representations

The Licensing Authority received seven representations from 'other persons' regarding the application.

Supporters

Some representations supported the application. Doug Jessop, a resident of Lavenham, wrote in support of the application, stating that it would breath new and much needed life into the village, and attract visitors and residents alike . Janice Muckian, another resident, also expressed support, noting that the Market Place had become noticeably quieter since the closure of the Angel Inn. Janey Auchincloss wrote to say that they supported the application as it enhances our community and boosts local business .

Objectors

Other representations objected to the application. Sarah Pakenham raised concerns about the impact of the licence on the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. Ms Pakenham stated that there were no toilet facilities nearby, giving an increased likelihood of urination in public places. She also raised concerns about increased traffic, the risk of accidents, and the impact on events that usually take place on the Market Place.

Dorothy Wynn also objected to the application.

Charles Llewellyn objected to the application, arguing that the applicant has no control over the Market Place and cannot enforce licensing terms. Mr Llewellyn also raised concerns about the lack of toilet facilities, the proximity of the café to war memorials, and the potential for public nuisance.

Bridget Ann Joy Baker objected to the application, raising concerns about the impact on public space, the historic Market Cross, and potential damage to the paving. Ms Baker also questioned the need for another licensed premises in the area.

Additional Conditions

The applicant agreed with the Environmental Protection Team to include additional conditions, including that alcohol would be served by waiter or waitress service only, and only to patrons seated at tables. It was also agreed that no drinks would be served in glass containers and no spirits would be served without mixers.

Exclusion of the Public

After the hearing, the sub-committee was scheduled to exclude the public, including the press, to deliberate in private session. The public would then be re-admitted for the announcement of the decision.