Agenda and minutes

In accordance with the Council's current Code of Conduct (adopted July 2012), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests , Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the Agenda for this meeting. A DPI is defined in The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012 No. 1464) and Appendix 3 of the Council’s Code of Conduct.  A personal interest is defined in paragraph 2.8 of the Code and a prejudicial interest is defined in paragraph 2.9. In the interests of complete transparency, Members of the County Council, who are not also members of this committee, are encouraged to declare any interests they may have in any matters being discussed even though they may not be under any obligation to do so under any relevant code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made by Members of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the procedure to be followed when considering Licensing Applications under the Licensing Act 2003.  The Chairman introduced the members of the Sub-Committee and the Officers present at the hearing.

It was agreed to adjourn the hearing for 15 minutes to allow the applicant to join the virtual meeting.

The Sub-Committee reconvened and noted the procedure to be followed when considering Licensing Applications under the Licensing Act 2003.  The Chairman introduced the members of the Sub-Committee and confirmed that the Officer’s report relating to the case, the procedure to be adopted during the hearing and the documents which the authority is required to provide under the Regulations had been received by all Parties in advance of the meeting, including further information from the applicant in support of their application.

It was confirmed that no representations had been withdrawn.

The Specialist – Licensing presented the report.  She informed members that the previous license holders had surrendered their license when they vacated the premises. 

The Specialist – Licensing advised that the main points of the application were:-

·         The use of the outdoor area of the premises allowed the applicant to take advantage of the live and recorded music exemptions which were currently in place from 8.00am to 11.00pm.

·         It was not possible to attach any conditions to the live and recorded music before 11.00pm where less than 500 people were present.

·         The request for 12 live outdoor performances was 12 in total and they did not intend to apply for any more.

·         It was intended to play recorded music outside.

·         The additional opening times for the sale of alcohol at Bank Holidays and during international sporting events.

·         The representations did not object in principle to granting the license but only to the later opening hours after 11.00pm, noise from customers leaving the premises late at night and smoking near their properties.

·         A notice has been displayed at the premises and in the local press which complied with the necessary advertising.

In response to questions from Members, the Specialist – Licensing advised:-

·         The applicant had submitted additional evidence of their previous premises license to demonstrate the opening times were similar. 

·         The application requested an additional hour up to 12.00pm on Fridays and Saturdays for live and recorded music indoors and outdoors and up to 1.00am on Bank Holidays.

·         Late night refreshments were the same time as previously allowed.

·         Supply of alcohol was requested up to 1.00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

·         The last recorded noise complaint made regarding the premises was 2010.

·         Up to 500 customers were allowed at premises for the sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003.

The applicant then addressed the Committee in support of his application.  He said most of the application was copied from their original application and the original license when he purchased the premises in 2011 allowed the supply of alcohol up to 1.00am on Fridays and Saturdays.  Taking account of the current Covid-19 restrictions, and to support the business, more activities were likely to take place outside as he expected the current distancing restrictions to be in place for up to two years. The extended late night refreshment request was to encourage customers to stay on after an event.

In response to questions from Members, the applicant advised:-

·         Outside the premises, no more than 200 customers, including the car parking area and beer garden were expected.

·         Inside the premises had previously been limited to 200 customers but this would be difficult with Covid-19 restrictions.

·         The car park allowed up to 26 vehicles and a nearby field had been used as an overflow car park on two occasions.

·         Around 20 customers were within walking distance of the premises.

·         Outdoor activities would be from May to August and 12 events would be the maximum and maybe only 6 would be viable.

The Chairman invited  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.