To appoint a Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Grey be elected as Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were noted from members of White Waltham Parish Council. It was agreed that Cllr Hunt, as Ward Member, would make representations on their behalf.

To receive any declarations of interest.

No declarations of interest were noted.

To consider an application for a premises licence for Stardust Brewery Ltd, Unit 5, Howe Lane Farm Estate, Howe Lane, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3JP.

(Hurley & Walthams Ward)

The Chairman welcomed all parties to the meeting and explained the procedure for the meeting. He reminded all parties that the proceedings were being audio recorded.

The Council’s Licensing Officer, Steve Smith, introduced the application for Members to consider. He explained that the application was for a Premises Licence for the Stardust Brewery Ltd, based at Unit 5, Howe Lane Farm Estate, Howe Lane, White Waltham, SL6 3JP. Mr Smith said that the applicant had applied for a Premises Licence permitting the sale of alcohol on and off the premises between the following hours:

·         Monday - Wednesday: 09:00-18:00

·         Thursday – Saturday: 09:00-22:00

·         Sunday: 11:00-16:00

Mr Smith said that the site would be operating as a microbrewery and that the applicant also wished to operate a retail outlet at the site. He explained that it was the retail outlet that formed the basis of the application being considered by Members.

Mr Smith informed Members that he had visited the site on the day of the Sub-Committee hearing. He described the location as very rural and said there was a house relating to the industrial unit next door, and two residential houses directly opposite but set back from the road. An aerial view map, which pointed out the location of the site, was handed out to Members by Mr Smith.

Mr Smith stated that he had not received any representations from any of the responsible authorities. Although a Planning Officer had responded, this was outside of the 28 day notification for comments and could therefore not be considered by Members.

The Sub-Committee was reminded that it could:

·         Grant the application as requested

·         Modify the proposed conditions, activities or hours of the licence, by altering or omitting or adding to them

·         Reject the whole or part of the application.

The Sub-Committee was reminded that the determination of the application had to be made with regards to the licensing objectives, which were:

·         The prevention of crime and disorder

·         Public safety

·         The prevention of public nuisance

·         The protection of children from harm

Questions to the Licensing Officer

Cllr Bicknell asked if the objectors had suggested an alternative closing time on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Mr Smith replied that no suggestions had been offered.

Applicant’s case

Ben Ebbetts introduced himself as one of the directors at Stardust Brewery. He said that he and his father had set up the company and would primarily be brewing ales and craft beers. Mr Ebbetts said that although the majority of the company’s produce would be for wholesale, it was hoped that there would be a small retail area at the microbrewery in order to sell to customers.

Mr Ebbetts explained that the company was applying to sell alcohol until 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as it hoped to operate small tours of the brewery, allowing visitors the opportunity to learn about the microbrewing process and sample some of the ales produced on site.

Mr Ebbetts told the Sub-Committee that measures had been put in place that would allow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.