Agenda item

Report DCL/17/27 sets out the facts for the Licensing Committee to consider in determining a new premise licence. The licensing committee is the Licensing Authority acting in a role previously taken by the Magistrates Court. It is, therefore, not appropriate for officers to make additional comments other than in the capacity as a Responsible Authority under the legislation of the Licensing Act 2003. Therefore there are no comments from Legal, Finance or other officers included in this report.

Report DCL/17/27 set out the facts for the Licensing Committee which were considered in determining a new premise licence.  The licensing committee is the Licensing Authority acting in a role previously taken by the Magistrates Court.  It was, therefore not appropriate for officers to make additional comments other than in the capacity as a Responsible Authority under the legislation of the Licensing Act 2003.  Therefore, there are no comments from Legal, Finance or other officers included in the report. 

Mrs Briony Williamson, Licensing Officer, presented the report.  She advised members that although an objection had been received from the Environmental Health Team under prevention of public nuisance, this had since been withdrawn due to amended conditions which are detailed in the resolution below. 

Heath Thomas, Solicitor from Harrison Clark Rickerbys., spoke about the application.  He stated that Saga is a long established well known company and is involved in various community events.  The main reason for this application was primarily due to planning an annual Garden fete consisting of live music as well as other activities. 

Mr Thomas was impressed at the local residents’ support to Saga, although was sympathetic to their perceived concerns with regard to noise and disturbance as outlined in their representations.  

Ultimately, Mr Thomas was keen to point out to members that the changes to the application are minimal and reminded them of the Live Music Act 2012.  His client understands that any concerns of nuisance can be brought back to this Committee in future. 

Members asked about CCTV, Mr Scott Cheeseman, Designated Premises Supervisor at Saga, Enbrook Park explained there are various cameras around the site which are monitored 24 hours a day by security staff and recorded. 

Members noted Mr Cheeseman’s comments with regard to types of events to be held, parking and customer dispersal policy.

Mr Banks, local resident, spoke against the application.  He was concerned about the number of events to be held and although he did not have any issues with the current licence, he felt that any increase in events could cause noise disturbance especially in the summer.  Mr Banks felt further regular contact was needed between local residents and Saga.

Members suggested that with regard to events, Mr Cheeseman could contact Sandgate Parish Council on a regular basis with a view to relaying upcoming event information.

The applicant, their legal representation and the local resident were asked for any further comments before the sub-committee retired to consider the application.

Following consideration of the application the Sub-Committee unanimously RESOLVED as follows: 

1.    To note the contents of Report DCL/17/27.

2.    To grant the new Premises Licence based on the licensing objectives:

·         The prevention of crime and disorder

·         The prevention of public nuisance

Subject to the following conditions:

1.    No more than 12 external events per year, seven events to cease at 2300 hrs and five events to cease at 1900 hrs. 

2.    The DPS must liaise with an Environmental Protection Officer with regard to event management plan prior to events.

3.    All doors and windows to remain closed for the duration of any performances inside. 

4.    Advisory signage to be posted to remind patrons to keep noise to a minimum when leaving the premises and to and from parked vehicles. 

5.    Advisory signage to be posted in designated smoking areas to remind patrons to keep noise to a minimum.

6.    A manned contact number to be provided to local residents and the Council during live licensable events. 

7.    The applicant must introduce a system for staff to supervise patrons to ensure that they leave the premises quickly and with minimum disruption to residents.