None.

Guidance on the procedure to be followed is attached.

The Council’s Policy on the Relevance of Warnings, Offences, Cautions and Convictions is attached.

The Sub-Committee noted the procedure for the hearings, the Council’s Street Trading Policy.

To consider the street trading application for land to the front of Summertown Cycles and reach a decision.

The Head of Planning and Regulations had submitted a report to inform the determination of a street trading application on land to the front of Summertown Cycles.

Mr Alec Leslie (applicant) and Matthew Stead, Senior Licensing Officer, joined the meeting.

The Chair explained the hearing procedures to be followed and asked all attendees to introduce themselves.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a summary of the report, stating that the application involved a trading spot which had not be occupied previously and situated on private land. It was highlighted that Mr Leslie had written permission by the owner of Summertown Cycles to establish his business on the private land.

The Senior Licensing Officer further explained that Mr Leslie would be trading using a converted horsebox offering coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastry and other selection of things.

It was noted that the application had been subject to a 14 day consultation in accordance to the Council policy. No responses were received in relation.

The Sub-Committee was reminded that it was required to determine the application based on the contents of the full report which had been included in the agenda pack circulated prior to the meeting.

In response to a question, the Senior Licensing Officer clarified that Mr Leslie had indeed applied to trade on private land as illustrated on page 14 of the pack.

Mr Leslie was invited to address the Sub-Committee. He thanked the panel for the opportunity to speak and proceeded to present his case. He identified a market for a coffee-focused shop in the area as current options were either chain establishments or food-centric cafes, adding that the closest local coffee shop was located at the opposite end of Summertown.

Mr Leslie indicated that his business would focus on excellent coffee and a positive working environment for all involved. He emphasised that the proposed street trading spot would be on a private land where his coffee shop would be consolidated with the local bike shop.

He informed the Sub-Committee about discussions with the shop owners in relation to how the horsebox could be integrated into the land and potential collaborations, highlighting the benefit to the local cycling community.

Mr Leslie highlighted his passion for coffee, cycling and community service, reiterating his aim to provide excellent coffee, create a positive working environment, and enhance the local setting through his coffee business.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, the following points were provided:

• The horsebox would be placed on the right where a bike rack was previously situated, leaving ample room to access the shop.
• Mr Leslie would trial the operating hours of his coffee shop, not exceeding 5pm on any given day.
• Depending on business volume, additional staff would be employed and trained properly on food handling and hygiene.

In relation to space management, Mr Leslie expressed confidence that there was enough room for people to queue and assured that clients could not cause any obstructions on the pavement. He proposed further mitigating actions, including the use of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To consider the street trading application to extend the terminal hour of trading and reach a decision.

The Head of Planning and Regulations had submitted a report to inform the determination of a street trading application to extend the terminal hour of trading.

Mr Tasneem Shabbir (applicant) and Matthew Stead, Senior Licensing Officer, joined the meeting.

The Chair explained the hearing procedures to be followed and asked all attendees to introduce themselves.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a summary of the report, stating that Mr Shabbir was granted permission to trade from a long-standing street trading spot on George Street in July 2023. Mr Shabbir's consent was granted in accordance with the policy of standard nighttime street trading hours of 1830 to 0300.

The Sub-Committee was informed that no complaints had been filed against Mr Shabbir's manner of trading. Additionally, Mr Shabbir had demonstrated cooperation with the requirements of the County Council in relation to road works in George Street by agreeing to relocate his van when necessary.

Mr Shabbir submitted additional materials, including video and photographs showing patrons arriving at his kebab van past the terminal hour of his operation. The Sub-Committee agreed to consider the additional materials submitted.

The Sub-Committee was reminded that it was required to determine the application based on the contents of the full report included in the agenda pack circulated prior to the meeting.

In response to a question, Mr Shabbir stated that he was aware of three street traders who were successfully granted an extension of hours.

Mr Shabbir addressed the Sub-Committee. He thanked the panel for the opportunity to speak and presented his request for an extension of hours until 0400. He explained that he faced issues on weekends having to refuse service to aggressive customers due to his current consent requiring him to cease operations at 0300. He mentioned that extending his hours would also allow him to serve local workers who finished work at this odd hour and had become regular customers.

Mr Shabbir made a further request for a permanent marking of his street trading spot to address and prevent other road users from blocking it, further stating that this would support his application for an electricity permit.

The Legal Adviser asked the Senior Licensing Officer to clarify how street traders such as Mr Shabbir could obtain a permanent marking. The Senior Licensing Officer stated that the City Council was currently working on a scheme with the County Council to permanently mark all street trading spots in the city centre, and eventually all street trading spots in the city. This would be achieved through changes in the Traffic Restriction Order which was hoped to be implemented later in the year, addressing the unauthorised use of these trading spots. He further stated that both councils had already identified some permanent street trading spots in the centre, including one approximately located where Mr Shabbir was currently trading.

Mr Shabbir concluded by reiterating his request for an extension of his operating hours, emphasising the positive feedback he had so far received, particularly from the Licensing Authority. He expressed hope  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

The dates of future meetings (if required) are:

·       10 June 2024 (C)

·       22 July 2024 (D)

·       2 September 2024 (A)

·       14 October 2024 (B)

·       26 November 2024 (C)

·       17 December 2024 (D)

·       13 January 2025 (A)

·       18 February 2025 (B)

·       10 March 2025 (C)

·       14 April 2025 (D)

The dates of future meetings were noted.