The Licensing and Gambling Acts Sub-Committee of Dorset Council scheduled a meeting to discuss new premises licence applications for KFC Shaftesbury and Papa Johns in Weymouth. Both applications requested permission to provide late night refreshment, and each had received a representation from other persons. Councillor Craig Monks, Councillor David Shortell and Councillor Kate Wheller were scheduled to attend the meeting.

Election of Chair

At the beginning of the meeting, the committee was scheduled to elect a chair to oversee the proceedings.

KFC Shaftesbury, 3 Ivy Cross, Shaftesbury

Supercharger Restaurants Limited applied for a new premises licence for KFC Shaftesbury at 3 Ivy Cross. The application requested permission to provide late night refreshment (on and off the premises) between 23:00 and 00:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack included details from the application form, which described the premises as a:

KFC fast food restaurant, drive thru and takeaway.

The application included a number of proposed steps to promote the licensing objectives¹, including:

• Installing and maintaining a CCTV system.
• Keeping an incident book to record details of any crime or disorder.
• Conducting licensable activities and designing facilities to prevent noise or vibration affecting nearby properties.
• Restricting deliveries and waste collections to between 07:00 and 23:00.
• Preventing public access to hot food preparation areas.

Shaftesbury Town Council submitted a representation raising concerns about the prevention of public nuisance and public safety due to potential increased noise disturbance. Sarah Smith, Town Clerk for Shaftesbury Town Council, stated that the council had resolved to object to the application because approval:

could set an undesirable precedent for late-night opening in a residential area, with the potential for increased noise disturbance affecting nearby residents.

Christopher Rees-Gay, representing Woods Whur solicitors, responded to Shaftesbury Town Council, explaining that the applicant was seeking an extra hour of trade to service the area. He noted that the premises was not currently associated with any public nuisance or public safety issues, and it was not anticipated that the additional hour would have any negative effect.

In response, Sarah Smith clarified that the council's decision was part of a formal council resolution, and she did not have the authority to alter or overturn it.

Christopher Rees-Gay followed up with a copy of the Adil Brochure, and offered additional conditions to address the council's concerns, including:

• Displaying notices requesting the public to respect local residents.
• Keeping windows and external doors closed after 23:00, except for access and egress.
• Making a telephone number for the manager publicly available.

Weymouth Pizza Ltd (Papa Johns), Unit 2, Charlestown Local Centre, 396 Chickerell Road, Weymouth, DT4 9TP

Weymouth Pizza Ltd applied for a new premises licence for Papa Johns at Unit 2, Charlestown Local Centre, 396 Chickerell Road, Weymouth. The application requested permission to provide late night refreshment (on and off the premises) between 23:00 and 03:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack included details from the application form, which described the premises as:

Papa Johns selling pizzas side orders non-alcoholic drinks and offering a carry out service as well as a delivery service a small sitting area is at the front with 3 bar stools to sit while customers are waiting for food.

The application included a number of proposed steps to promote the licensing objectives, including:

• Installing a 24-hour CCTV system with recordings retained for 30 days.
• Training staff on handling disruptive situations and refusing entry to intoxicated individuals.
• Displaying signs requesting patrons and delivery staff to leave the area quietly.
• Conducting a litter pick before closing.
• Providing bins for customers.
• Training staff to be aware of the importance of protecting children and underage customers.

A representation was received from an interested party, raising concerns about the prevention of public nuisance due to potential increased noise disturbance. The interested party stated that they strongly opposed the requested extension of opening hours, referring to previous objections they had made in 2016 regarding the building of the centre. They raised concerns about noise, smell, and parking.

Licensing on behalf of the applicant responded to the interested party, addressing the concerns raised. The applicant outlined measures to minimise noise, explained that store deliveries would not be affected, addressed the issue of smell with reference to extraction services and waste disposal, and stated that parking would not be an issue due to the closure of nearby businesses.