notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He explained that the Sub-Committee would consider an application for a new premises Licence for Teynham Community Hall, Teynham.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - teynham community hall, teynham

The Chairman drew Members' attention to a typographical error under the operating schedule as the proposed hours for the provision of dancing should commence at 09:00, not 07:00 hours.

Miss Samantha Thomas, owner of The Events Company and Designated Premises Supervisor for Teynham Community Hall, explained that the hall was an important resource for the village and provided a venue for a range of community groups and activities. The application for a new premises licence would also allow for the sale of alcohol at functions being held at the hall. She advised that they operated a strict policy regarding underage drinking and not allowing alcohol to be brought into the hall by guests.

Mr David Ansell, Manager of The Events Company, advised that they had only applied to stay open until 02:00 hours on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Mr Ledger, Swale Borough Council's Environmental Protection Manager, questioned what was meant by 'low level' music and who would be responsible for monitoring the music levels.

Councillor Sharman, Chairman of Teynham Parish Council, explained that the 'low level' referred to background music for outside events, such as barbecues, and music levels would be monitored by the village hall management committee. He explained that the electric outlet sockets had a timer so the power supply would go off at 23:30 hours to ensure discos and music did not go past this time. In response to a question, Councillor Sharman confirmed that the timer was behind a screwed in box and both the sockets on the stage were on this circuit so they could not be bypassed by guests.

Mr Ledger asked if the hall windows were lockable; if inner doors were self closing and if there were fire doors. Councillor Sharman replied that the windows were not lockable but notices had been fastened to the window handles stating that windows must be kept closed. The inner doors were swing doors and there were crash fire doors in the hall. He also listed the notices placed around the hall advising guests of their responsibilities.

In response to a question, Councillor Sharman explained that no alcohol would be stored on the premises and all bookings for a bar would be made through The Events Company. Guests would be encouraged to use the outside area at the front of the hall to smoke and they would request that drinks were not taken outside.

A Member asked if provision had been made for a noise limiter. Councillor Sharman advised that consideration had been given to a noise limiter but they were unable to fund it at the present time. Mr Ledger observed that as no noise complaints had been received and the Police had raised no objection he did not consider a noise limiter necessary at this time.

Miss Thomas emphasised that they operated a strict policy of requesting identification from anyone who looked under 21; their staff were fully trained and they would remove alcoholic drinks from anyone under age. She explained that drinks were served in plastic glasses and they would conduct spot checks.

Mr Lewis, Vice-Chairman of Teynham Parish Council, reported that a room in the village hall had been designated to the new Police Community Support Officer, which he considered might also deter bad behaviour at functions.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10.34 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Legal Executive and the Senior Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 10.41 am, when the Sub-Committee re-convened.