notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He then outlined the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - tapster inn, newnham, sittingbourne

Mr Hall, the applicant’s Solicitor, presented the case on behalf of the applicant. He drew attention to the internal memorandum from the Environmental Protection Team, which raised concerns in respect of noise nuisance from the outside areas. Mr Hall reported that they had consulted Environmental Health and as a result had agreed that they would start clearing the garden and marquee, if erected, of customers at 11 pm and would ensure they had vacated by 11.30 pm every night.

Mr Hall drew attention to the letters of objection contained within the report. He stated that most of the concerns raised had been made under the assumption that the application was to include the playing/provision of live or recorded music, which he reminded the Committee was not the case. He outlined many of the other concerns raised by local residents which related to problems that might occur and did not contain any evidence that they were any more than that. Mr Hall reported that the Police and Fire Service raised no objection to the application.

The Chairman then invited Mr Patten, the applicant, to speak. Mr Patten stated that he had at least 20 years experience running a licensed premises in Canterbury. He outlined his proposals for the premises and that he intended to live on site with his wife and daughter. He stated that he hoped to run a family focussed establishment and that it was important to listen to local concerns otherwise the business would not be a success.

The Chairman asked whether there were any questions from the objector, Mrs Fish, who presented a letter outlining her concerns. She advised that she had concerns relating to noise from the garden area but had been reassured by the comments made by the applicant. Mrs Fish hoped the applicant would build a good relationship with the local community as this had not been the case with the previous proprietor.

At this point the Senior Solicitor advised that, unfortunately, the letter from Mrs Fish could not be considered as the consultation period had already lapsed.

The Chairman then invited Sub-Committee Members to ask questions. In response to a query, Mr Patten confirmed that the marquee would not be a permanent structure. There would be no playing of music in the marquee and music played inside the pub was purely background music and would be largely classical or jazz music.

Mr Hall was then invited to sum up. Mr Hall stated that Mr Patten was an experienced licensee with a responsible attitude. The concerns of local residents and SBC’s Environmental Health Section had all been considered and dealt with. Mr Patten hoped to apply for a 30 year lease at the premises if his application was successful, which demonstrated his commitment to the project. Parking would not be an issue as 25 daytime parking spaces and 10 evening/night-time spaces were available. Mr Patten would ensure all staff were trained to the necessary standard. Mr Hall reported that his client would be happy for signs to be erected advising customers to leave the premises in a quiet manner.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:40 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 11:10 am, when the meeting re-convened.