PLANS for a beer garden at an Indian restaurant in Irvine have been approved by councillors.
Davinder Summel applied for a variation of premises licence for the Gulab Brasserie in Stanecastle Road.
He proposed opening hours of Monday to Friday, from 3.30pm until 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2.30pm until 8 pm with a last order of drinks at 7.30pm.
Licensing standards officer Isaac Kerr said: "The inspection was of a good standard. An objection was submitted. There is no evidence to suggest that the proposed variation would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.
“To ensure that the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance is met, I will continue to work with the premises and ensure that future checks are carried out on any beer garden, if approved. Further, the board should be made aware that an objection has been submitted.
“In conclusion, I would offer no objection to the variation application, subject to the board being satisfied with the management of the proposed beer garden.”
Mr Summel told North Ayrshire Council's licensing board: “The beer garden proposed is in front of the building and since the last meeting we have made the changes and the area is covered by two CCTV cameras. There is no objection from Police Scotland and planning permission has been approved.
“The area will be monitored by staff members at all times, we don’t plan to open any earlier than the times.
“There is one objection, I have spoken to all the neighbours and kept them up to date. Building Standards have asked us to remove chimneys and that has been completed, we have signs up asking people to respect neighbours for noise.
“We have additional seating at the side of the building and tables and chairs. Also, windows have been closed as there were concerns about noise from the bar and air conditioning installed.
“We will dismantle the kids’ play area as it is not fixed and is quite outdated. This will allow for extra spaces at the back of the building. So no kids will be playing in that area.
“Tables will have to be pre-booked for two-hour slots. We are making improvements which were needed and this will create extra jobs. We plan to open it after the first Scotland World Cup match.”
Councillor Christina Larsen asked how many jobs would be created and the applicant said three extra staff would be needed for the beer garden.
However, Cllr Larsen added: “When you were here the last time you took a photograph in the chambers that included not only council officers but also members of the board? This is a serious formal setting.
“You also did a mock-up on social media with a rough visual of how it would look once approved. You should respect the process and I would expect no repeats.
“I hope you did not take this as a tick-box exercise which would be approved. It’s very disappointing to see on social media you are taking a photograph with officers and board members present.”
Mr Sammel apologised for the picture and mock-up.
Cllr Matthew McLean proposed granting the variation and this was seconded by Cllr Ronnie Stalker and unanimously approved by the board.
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