COUNCILLOR DAVID SNOWDON (CHAIR) – IN THE CHAIR

Councillor Snowdon welcomed all parties to the meeting.  Following this, all parties present introduced themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were submitted.

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Chief Executive.

Councillor Bill Turner declared a personal interest on the basis that several of the persons named as objectors or supporters of both licensing applications on the agenda were known to him through his duties as an elected Member.  However, he had not been lobbied in connection with either application.

To note the rules of procedure which are attached for information.

The rules of procedure were noted.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report that detailed the application for a new Time Limited Premises Licence for Car Park, 150 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU, for the period 27^th July 2012 to 12^th August 2012.  Mr Ali added that a representation submitted by Ms Donna De Wick had been omitted from the documentation in error and Ms De Wick had nominated Mr Matthew Marchant to speak on her behalf in support of the application. 

Mr Paul Greeno, Senior Advocate, reported that Mr Matt Piper and Ms Vikki Piper had indicated that the representation made in objection to the application by the Spitalfields Community Group would be withdrawn if the applicants would agree to appoint Peace wardens to monitor the area at appropriate times and establish radio links with the Brick Lane Security Coalition for the duration of the event.  Mr Gareth Hughes indicated that this was acceptable to the applicants and the necessary action would be taken.

The Chair asked if any objectors to the application were in attendance and there was none present at the meeting.

The Chair then indicated that he would allow up to 10 minutes for the applicants to present their case and up to 2 minutes for Matthew Marchant to speak in support.

 Mr Gareth Hughes then addressed the Sub-Committee, stating that:

·        The hours of operation sought were well within the Council’s framework hours.

·        The event operators were specialists and very experienced in the provision of quality events in the Capital.

·        The sale of alcohol was not the main purpose of the event, which was intended to promote the Puma brand.

·        The management structure as included in the report showed that the event would be tightly controlled.

·        There had been no objections from any Responsible Authority and none from the Police with regard to crime and disorder, despite the claims of some residents.  Measures were in place to deal with any potential nuisances and acoustic consultants had been appointed.

·        The Council’s Events Team and the London Mayor’s Office supported the event.

·        The applicants had worked extensively with local residents’ groups during March and April 2012 and were in agreement with measures outlined above suggested by the Spitalfields Community Group.

Mr Matthew Marchant stated that residents had met the applicants several times and they had taken on board issues arising from concerns regarding overcrowding of the site and under-policing.  Residents understood that Spitalfields would be a busy area during the forthcoming Olympics but considered that the Puma event would be beneficial for the neighbourhood.  They were, therefore, in full support of the event.

In response to questions from Members, representatives of the applicants indicated that:

• There would be 11 toilets on site.
• The maximum number of persons admitted would be 500 at any one time, with fluctuations as people came and went.
• The event would be family-orientated and alcohol would be sold only in one small area.
• It was felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.1

At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the application for a Time Limited Premises Licence for Victoria Park, London, E3, for the period 15^th to 17^th June 2012.

The Chair indicated that he would allow 10 minutes for the applicants’ representative to put their case, with a further minute for remarks in support from Ms Carri-Anne Adams.  Ms C Wyer, who was in attendance to speak in objection to the application, would be allowed up to 11 minutes to do so.

Ms Sarah Le Fevre then addressed the Sub-Committee, stating that:

• This was the eighth year Lovebox had applied to hold an event in Victoria Park and specialists had been engaged to take care of noise levels and stewarding.  The operators would be working to a very detailed site management plan.  It was felt that management of the festival had improved every year but this was still work in progress, although a tried and tested formula was in place.
• The quality of the applicant was shown by the event plan and there had been no objections from any Responsible Authority, with more positive than negative comments attracted.
• Toilet facilities had been increased to just under 400, as a result of feedback from last year’s event. 
• The response received from the Police raised no complaints and demonstrated they were satisfied with the proposals.
• There would be some 63 stewards between the Park and Mile End Tube, linked by radio and able to deal with any problems arising.
• The nature of complaints made by Ms Wyer concerning behaviour by members of the public were general and could not be assessed in terms of any link to the Lovebox Festival. However, Ms Wyer would be given a direct line to be able to make comments during the festival.
• There was no basis for any reduction in the proposed hours of operation and the Police had expressed the view that this would, in fact, be detrimental with regard to crime and disorder provisions.
• Vanguardia accepted in full the noise control plan proposed by Environmental Health and had explained how they would comply.
• The Friends of Victoria Park Group had made representations against the festival last year but now supported it as it promoted a beneficial view and use of the Park, drew attendees from other boroughs and had become an integral part of summer in the Park.
• The event organisers had engaged with local residents to make the festival successful and was committed to working with the wider community.

Ms Carrie-Ann Adams, in supporting the application, stated that she lived in Empire Wharf, very close to Victoria Park, in Old Ford Road.  She had never witnessed any problems with people vacating the event, who tended to be moved away by Police or security and left very quickly.  There was no problem with getting to sleep as usual.  The road near the Park was not quiet in any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.2

Nil items.