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 clarified that Councillor Jeny Snell was attending this hearing as a replacement for Councillor Jason Baker as he has been asked to attend another emergency meeting.  He confirmed she had received the papers last Friday and therefore has had sufficient time to familiarise herself with the application. 

The Chairman confirmed 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.

The Chairman introduced the members of the Sub-Committee and the Officers present at the hearing.

The Specialist – Licensing presented her report. She confirmed that no representations have been withdrawn and therefore this hearing was required in order to determine this application for a new premises licence for Tatworth Playing Fields.  She then proceeded to go through the report highlighting the main licensing activities that they have applied for, including:

·         Live Music – indoors and outdoors on Friday and Saturday from 16.00 hours to 23.00 hours - up to three events per year on the playing fields and/or in the pavilion.

·         Recorded music Friday and Saturday from 16.00 hours to 23.00 hours - up to three events per year on the playing fields and/or in the pavilion.

·         Supply of alcohol from 12.00 midday to 23.59 each day of the week – hours open to the public are from 12.00 midday to 01.00 each day of the week.

She explained that should the committee wish to grant the licence, that whilst the premises are open for the supply of consumption of alcohol ‘On’ the premises, it is actually possible to have live and recorded music from 8.00 hours to 23.00 hours but only for up to 499 people at any one time.

She also confirmed that:

·         Additional steps have been put forward by the applicant to comply with the licensing objectives, that were contained within the application form and will become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted and any further additions imposed by this licensing committee.

·         A copy of the advertisement placed in the local paper had been received, and that several notices had been displayed at the premises.

·         Two representations had been received from other parties mainly concerned with anti-social behaviour and debris thrown in gardens, with particular concern to the ‘Party in the Park’ event.

·         A letter had been received from a local resident in the area, but it did not relate to the licensing objectives, and had been received after the statutory deadline.  The person concerned had been written too explaining this could not be taken into consideration.

·         There were no representations received from responsible authorities.

·         There used to be a premises licence that authorised the sale of alcohol, live recorded music and dance at these premises, but unfortunately this had lapsed due to the death of the premises licence holder.  The management committee were unaware of the 28 days to reinstate the licence, hence the reason why they have needed to apply for a new licence. Details and conditions of the previous licence are set out in her report.

·         Three complaints had been made regarding the ‘Party in the Park’ event.  These were received in 2011 and 2013, however there is no evidence that any complaints have been received in subsequent years.  Following the 2011 complaint the Council’s Environment Protection Team requested that the Playing Fields Committee complete a noise management plan. 

·         It was possible to submit a temporary event notices which is not connected to the premises licence.

She concluded that she had explained the options available and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.