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

Councillor Clarkson proposed Councillor Jupp as Chair for the meeting; Councillor Lygo seconded.

Councillor Jupp was elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

None.

None.

The hearing procedures are attached.

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

Recommendation: that the minutes of the meetings held on 30 June 2025, 3 July 2025, 6 August 2025, and 13 October 2025 are approved as true and accurate records.

The Sub-Committee approved the minutes of the meetings held on 30 June 2025, 3 July 2025, 6 August 2025 and 13 October 2025 as true and accurate records.

Recommendation: that the confidential minutes of the meetings 3 July 2025 are approved as a true and accurate record.

The Sub-Committee approved the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025 as a true and accurate record.

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

The Chair invited all attendees to introduce themselves.

The Senior Licensing Compliance Officer presented a summary of the report in relation to an application submitted by Jaam Restaurants Limited for a variation to a premises license in respect of 44-46 Cornmarket Street, Oxford.

The key matters for consideration included:

• The applicants request to extend the hours for late night refreshments from 23:00 hours to 03:00 hours daily (currently until 00:00 daily).
• The application attracted representation from three interested parties or other persons that highlighted concerns in relation to how the application may fail to promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety.

Members were reminded that when considering any representations, only issues relating to the four licensing objectives could be considered and appropriate weight given to the importance and relevance of each representation. Comments made regarding the potential impact on the trade of other businesses could be considered.

The Sub-Committee were reminded of its responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder Act and the Human Rights Act when considering the fair balance between the interests of the applicant and the rights of local residents. Any decision taken by the Sub-Committee must be necessary and proportionate to the objectives being pursued.

The Chair thanked the Senior Licensing Compliance Officer and invited questions from the Sub-Committee.

The Chair invited questions from the Legal Advisor; there were none.

The Chair invited questions from the applicants; there were none.

The Chair invited the applicants to present their case. Mr Leo Charalambides and Ms Joanne Jones were in attendance to present the application to the Sub-Committee.

Mr Charalambides addressed the Sub-Committee and explained that the existing license before them contained conditions consistent with the operating schedule. McDonalds centrally had applied for a premises license which happened in February due to relocating an existing store. Consequently, the operating schedule submitted with the application was reviewed by the responsible authorities and agreed on, reflecting prior discussions. Mr Charalambides requested the Sub-Committee to consider this as it accurately represented the previously established terms. He stated that condition 4 on the current licence would no longer be relevant as, should the application be granted, a hard closing time of 3am would be enforced, with the last walk-in customer admitted at 2:45 am and the final delivery order placed by 2:40 am, at which point the third-party operator app would be switched off. He found it was notable that the responsible authorities were absent from the meeting, suggesting if concerns regarding crime, disorder, noise or chaos existed, their attendance would be expected. Mr Charalambides further highlighted that the city council initially opposed the planning application leading to an appeal. However, the inspector determined that concerns about noise, nuisance and disturbance lacked evidential support. The operating schedule outlined in the application included measures intended to promote licensing objectives, such as CCTV engagement, security protocols, risk assessments, staff safety and multiple training policies. Additionally, the operator conducted regular litter picks, adhered to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

The dates of future meetings are as follows:

·       16 December 2025

·       12 January 2026

·       17 February 2026

The Sub-Committee noted the dates of the future meetings.