UNCERTAINTY lingers for two business owners after their booze license hearings were delayed – leaving them fearing their reopening plans on Freedom Day could be put on hold.
The owner of the Black Boys Inn in Hurley and the owners of Windsor nightclub ATIK told members of the licensing sub-committee of their disappointment that their plans for July 19, dubbed Freedom Day, could be called off.
Both establishments were meant to have their applications heard virtually on Thursday, July 1, after a number of objections were lodged against their licensing plans.
But the chairman of the sub-committee, councillor John Bowden (Con: Eton & Castle) found the sheer volume of objections and documentation for both applications meant it is “not suitable” for a Zoom meeting.
READ MORE: Black Boys Inn pub plans slammed as "ill-conceived"
He and panel members agreed to adjourn the meeting to opt for a face-to-face meeting instead in order to hear the applicants and objectors in a “fair and meaningful way”.
Cllr Bowden said: “The effect would be that the reports and evidence would not have the appropriate amount of time and ability for councillor to consider all the evidence.
“The volume of documents to be seen and covered visually by laptops alongside us and the Ipad where we are visually talking at the same time is too voluminous.”
Owner of the Black Boys Inn, Matthew Valentine, scolded councillors, saying he “had a right” to have his application heard that day and they should’ve “worked out” how to make these meetings work on Zoom.
He said: “I’m trying to open a business that is costing money every single day and having some kind of clarity and certainty, I would say is essential.
“Without being bombastic, it is my right to have this heard within a certain period of time and now we’re now bumping up against that point.”
Speaking on behalf of ATIK, Jonathan Smith said they were ‘disappointed’ to have this hearing delayed given they were happy to come down for face-to-face meeting – but was told it will happen on Zoom.
READ MORE: Windsor nightclub could see booze license blocked by angry residents
He also said they lodged this application and supporting information “in good time” ahead of July 19.
A set date was not confirmed during the meeting but could be held in the Maidenhead town hall sometime this month.
It was heard a written apology will be sent to those attending about adjourning the meeting.
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