To consider an application for a licence from the Village Sports Bar, Abercrave.
Minutes:
Premises – Village Sports Bar, Abercrave
Applicant – Mr P Bushnell
Supporter - Mr G Thomas
Objector – Mrs J Williams
The Senior Licensing Officer presented the licensing authority’s position as outlined in the report [copy filed with the signed minutes]. She advised that County Councillor Sarah Williams had sent her apologies and had advised that she supported the application.
Mr Bushnell advised that he did not intend to open on weekdays but was advised to apply for these times to make the hours standard. He stated that if he wanted to open for different hours, he was happy to apply for a temporary licence. He understood why the hours stated on the application had caused concern to the local residents. He noted the concerns raised by a neighbour about the impact on their garden being overlooked and he was happy to erect a screen to address this. He acknowledged the concerns of the school but advised that the only day the premises would be open on a school day would be Fridays from midday and he was happy to stipulate that alcohol should not be taken outside.
In response to a question Mr Bushnell advised that he had not held a premises licence before, but he had previously held a personal licence. He clarified the frequency of tournaments as being 4 or 5 times a year and that these would be held at weekends.
Mr G Thomas supported the application stating that the facility would be a great asset to the village.
In response to the Solicitor’s question regarding activities outside the premises Mr Bushnell advised he was happy to agree conditions the Licensing Officer and Sub-Committee felt were appropriate.
Mrs Williams questioned the impact of the large number of visitors to a tournament and asked how the parking needs would be met. Mr Bushnell advised that the club has 23 parking spaces and he had agreed with the landlord that if he advised them of tournaments in advance, they would allow him to use their designated 5 spaces. He would also promote car sharing and advise participants that parking was limited in the area. He also hoped to work with other sports premises in the area to see if parking and their facilities could be used on tournament days.
As the Chair of School Governors was unable to access the meeting her statement was read out.
Mrs Williams advised that clarification of the proposals had been helpful as the licensing hours applied for seemed to be outrageous. She was concerned about the impact of inappropriate behaviour due to alcohol abuse and the impact on vulnerable people, the consumption of alcohol near a school and during school hours. In response to questions from the Sub-Committee she advised that the back of the premises was at the back of the school and the premises could be seen from the school grounds and so would be visible by pupils using the grounds.
In summing up Mrs Williams advised she had made her point about the licensing hours applied for being inappropriate. Mr Bushnell advised that he was happy to limit the opening times and that he was happy to restrict the time the premises were open during school opening hours.
All parties confirmed that they were satisfied that they had been able to make their representations.
The Sub-Committee withdrew to consider, in private, the application and the evidence they had heard, with the support of the Clerk.
On their return the Chair announced their decision. In reaching the decision members considered the relevant written and verbal representations.
RESOLVED |
Reason for decision |
That the licence be granted as applied for subject to the following changes to opening times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 10pm Thursday – 5pm to 12 midnight Friday – 12 midday to 12 midnight Saturday – 9am to 1.30am Sunday – 12 midday to 10pm and the addition of the following: i. the conditions agreed with the responsible authorities and ii. no drinking outside be allowed after 11pm and iii. it be delegated to the Senior Licensing officer to agree the location of an outside drinking and smoking area, which would be identified by signs and the wording of a suitable condition. |
The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the licensing objectives were promoted pursuant to the Licensing Act 2003. |
The Sub-Committee noted that Mr Bushnell had offered to erect screening to lessen the impact on a neighbour’s garden, but the Sub-Committee was sufficiently confident that he could resolve this with the neighbours.
The Clerk to the Sub-Committee advised that he would confirm the decision, in writing and reminded parties of their right to appeal. He also advised that if local residents had evidence of problems with the operation of the licence, they could submit this to the Licensing Authority and apply for a review of the licence.
The Chair thanked all for attending.
Supporting documents: