To confirm the Chair of this Sub-Committee for the duration of this hearing.

Councillor Ottino proposed Councillor Miles as Chair; Councillor Jupp seconded.

Councillor Miles was elected as chair for the duration of this hearing.

None.

The Chair noted that although not a related interest, she is a resident in the ward within which the application relates to. The Sub-Committee were assured she would approach the meeting with an open mind.

The hearing procedures are attached.

The Sub-Committee noted the relevant procedure for the hearing. 

The Sub-Committee is asked to determine Momo Station’s application, taking into account the details in the report and any representations made at this Sub-Committee meeting.

Devraj Dhakal, the applicant, and the Prakash Sharma, the designated supervisor of the premises, joined the meeting.

Alex Bloomfield, Licensing Officer for Thames Valley Police, joined the meeting.

The Chair welcomed all attendees. The Sub-Committee and officers introduced themselves.

The Chair outlined the procedure for the hearing.

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer presented the case to the Sub-Committee, noting the requirement for members to determine an application submitted by Devraj Dhakal for a New Premises Licence in respect of Momo Station, 260 Cowley Road, Oxford.

The Sub-Committee heard the details of the application as follows:

Supply of Alcohol (On and Off Sales) and Recorded Music (Indoors only):

• Monday to Saturday 12:00 hours to 01:00 hours
• Sunday 12:00 hours to 00:00 hours (midnight)

Late Night Refreshment:

• Monday to Saturday 23:00 hours to 01:00 hours
• Sunday 23:00 hours to 00:00 hours (midnight)

The Sub-Committee understood that a copy of the application could be found in appendix one, and details of an existing premises licence for the venue held by Miss Esmeralda Cenga for late night refreshment was enclosed in appendix two. 

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer explained that the application had attracted a representation from Thames Valley Police on the grounds of crime and disorder and public safety, as enclosed in appendix three. Thames Valley Police had attempted to liaise with the applicant but did not receive a response.

A map detailing the applicant’s premises and the surrounding area was enclosed in appendix four. 

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer informed the Sub-Committee that the premises is within the City Centre Special Saturation Policy area, however this is no longer in place as of April 2025 and is currently being reviewed with a cumulative impact assessment as required under Section 55A of the Licensing Act 2003.

Finally, the Sub-Committee were reminded of its responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act to consider the fair balance between the interests of the applicant and the rights of local residents, and to ensure that any decision taken is necessary and proportionate to the objectives being pursued. The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer emphasised that any decision taken must promote the licensing objectives and provided procedural advice regarding the Sub-Committee’s considerations. 

The Sub-Committee were advised to reach a decision from the follow options, with the understanding that a granted licence could be subject to different conditions for different parts of the premises or the different licensable activities.

a)    Grant the licence in accordance with the application.

b)    Modify the conditions of the operating schedule by altering or omitting or adding to them.

c)    Exclude or restrict from the scope of the licence any of the licensable activities to which the application relates.

d)    Reject the whole of the application.

The Chair invited the Sub-Committee to ask any questions.

Councillor Ottino requested details on the opening hours of nearby premises selling alcohol to which the Senior Licensing Compliance Officer noted several examples licensed to sell alcohol until midnight, including Kazbar.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.