Concerns were raised about potential overcrowding at a Largs pub and diner after proposals were put forward for an increase in capacity, along with children being allowed on the premises for another hour.
Application Details
The Paddle Steamer, a Wetherspoons premises at the Promenade, applied to North Ayrshire Licensing Board seeking off-sales to be permitted from 11am until 10pm, children and young people to be permitted until 11pm – current access only allows until 10pm – and occupant capacity to be increased from 225 to 390.
Isaac Kerr, Licensing Standards Officer at North Ayrshire Council, said he would offer no objection to the variation application from an LSO compliance perspective, subject to the Board being satisfied on capacity management, public safety, the outcome of the follow up inspection and the proposed access arrangements for children and young persons.
Company's Position
Company agent Stephen McGowan said: “This application is asking for three changes to the licence. We are asking for these changes as Wetherspoons are reviewing all of their licences and some of them have not been revisited for some time and that is the case with this one.
“They want to make sure they reflect changes in local Licensing Board policies. This is a kind of housekeeping exercise.
“Off-sales are used widely but we are not planning to use the Paddle Steamer as an off licence shop. This site is 50-50 in terms of the food and drink offering and they find the 10pm cut off is very tight for families coming in at 8.30pm and 9pm.
“Under-18s are not allowed in the bar area and this is for families coming in for a meal. All our capacities are being reviewed across Scotland and it is 11 years since the licence has been in place.
“Our figure of 390 is from the fire risk assessment which says that is the maximum capacity in terms of fire regulation.
“Councillor Murdoch raises suggestions there would be concerns about emergency evacuations. I suppose it is all speculation from him but they don’t stand up to any scrutiny when you consider the capacity is based on a building control assessment and fire risk assessment.
“There is speculation the premises could not cope with increased capacity but that is only speculation. There is speculation from Cllr Murdoch that the premises would be under-staffed but that seems to me to be speculation.”
Objections Raised
Sgt David Markham from Ayrshire Licensing said: “The increase in capacity up to 390 gives us concerns in terms of customer safety and comfort within. The 390 seems excessive.”
A Building Standards representative said that the capacity figure should be 375 and Mr McGowan said they would accept that.
Cllr Ronnie Stalker said it would be difficult to fit in so many more people if it was already so difficult to get a seat.
Objector Cllr Murdoch said: “There was a comment about hearsay – I can only deal with facts as I know them. I am on scene almost every day of the year and I can go on what I see and what I know.
“There are many comments from my constituents and your customers supporting that the staff can’t cope with the current capacity. I am in Largs all the time.
“I don’t think the increase in capacity is at all possible. There are occasions when only two or three staff are on. My objection is quite clear and some of the other councillors have mentioned the capacity and they doubt whether the premises can cope.”
Response and Outcome
Mr McGowan said the premises were well staffed, with 20 working at peak times and suggested if the case was continued he could ensure that the area manager or premises manager could attend as the current manager was on holiday.
“Other data could be provided. There are no objections on health grounds from the NHS. This is the North Coast locality which is less problematic than some other areas,” he added.
“For me a licence capacity should not be based on the hearsay views of non-technical persons. Capacity calculations should be based on a technical assessment and a capacity of 375 is supported by Building Standards.”
The Board agreed to continue the case to secure more information on capacity and also to hear from people who worked in the premises.
