notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and Officers present. He explained that the Sub-Committee would consider a variation of the premises licence for The Bull Public House, High Street, Sittingbourne and detailed the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

local government (access to information) act 1985

application to vary premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - the bull public house, sittingbourne

Miss Naqshbandi, Counsel for the Applicant, explained that The Bull Public House had recently been purchased by Mr Nick Noble (the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)), Mr Stephen Noble and Mr Mark Priestley. They were in the process of refurbishing the pub and wished for it to be a relaxing modern contemporary pub, particularly aimed at women. She explained that both Mr Stephen Noble and Mr Priestley both held full time jobs and that Mr Nick Noble would oversee the day to day running of the premises. Miss Naqshbandi noted the representation from Swale Police, stating that Mr Priestley had been banned from The Red Lion Pub House, opposite The Bull, for alleged damage to the toilets therein. She questioned the relevance of the alleged incident, as it did not affect the proposed variation, nor did it bring into question Mr Nick Noble's suitability as the DPS. She emphasised that Mr Priestley was an investor only and would not be involved in the everyday operations of the pub.

Mr Noble outlined his experience and licensing qualifications. He explained that he was hoping for The Bull to have a friendly, relaxing atmosphere, where people would be comfortable to come and drink with friends and noted the intention of making the pub particularly attractive to women. He explained the floor plan of the pub, noting that he hoped to also open up the first floor with a bar, seating and an area for dancing. He reported that he did not expect to host live music events very often, but that this would take place upstairs, as would special events such as salsa and Irish dancing. Mr Noble outlined the proposed training plans for his staff. He also noted that CCTV had been installed at The Bull and that he intended to employ two Security Industry Authority (SIA) Door Supervisors from 7.00pm onwards on Friday and Saturday evenings. He also intended to seek membership of the Swale Safe Pub Watch. He concluded by stating that no-one would be admitted or re-admitted after 11.00pm and any live music would cease at that time.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Noble stated that as he intended to be supervising the door to the pub on occasions when it remained open after 11.00pm on weekdays, he was happy to undertake SIA training himself. He also confirmed that although he intended to offer food at lunchtimes, he had no plans at that time to offer food during evenings.

PC Haskell of Swale Police outlined his objections to the variation, making reference to the witness statements included in the report. Though he was pleased to learn of Mr Noble's intention to employ SIA door staff, he noted that the Police hoped that all pubs would be well-run premises and he held reservations over the application, due to the alleged incident which occurred in The Red Lion Public House, as stated above. However, he was pleased to note Mr Noble's expressed intention of working with the Police.

In response to a question from a Member, PC Haskell confirmed that he had learned by word of mouth that the live music intended to be played at The Bull would be heavy drum and bass music. Mr Noble responded that he intended all music to be contemporary modern music, played at such a level as would still allow normal conversation amongst patrons.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 3.05pm. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and the Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 3.24pm, when the Sub-Committee re-convened.