notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. She explained that the Sub-Committee would consider a variation of the Premises Licence for The Queens Head, Boughton and to consider a new Premises Licence for Bexon Lane Campsite, Bexon Lane, Bredgar. The application to consider an Occasional Premises Licence at the ‘Electric Garden’, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Staplestreet, Hernhill had been withdrawn. The Chairman detailed the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application to vary premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - the queens head, boughton

Mr Barns, the Applicant, presented his case. He advised that the variations proposed would allow the Licensee greater flexibility. He noted that numerous letters of objection had been received in relation to the application and answered some of the concerns raised. In respect of accusations of vandalism from customers leaving the premises he stated that the Police had received no complaints and that the allegations could not be substantiated. In response to complaints of noise he advised that a mature clientele frequented the pub and considered it unlikely that increased noise would be a problem. He considered that the Queens Head was a well-run village pub with a reliable Designated Premises Supervisor. He advised that following discussions with the DPS they had decided to reduce the hours requested and outlined the new proposals.

Mr Collett-White, a local resident representing his family and a neighbour outlined their concerns. Whilst they agreed the Queens Head was an excellent local pub they were concerned that the clientele could possibly change bringing in younger customers from outside the area. They were also concerned that being centrally located in the village extending the hours would be to the detriment of neighbouring residential properties.

Mr Goodhall, a neighbouring resident, outlined his concerns that the potential for increased public nuisance in the early hours from noise from the premises and persons leaving at closing time would be increased if the Licence was approved.

The Environmental Protection Manager thanked the applicant for agreeing to reduce the proposed hours from 02.00 am to 01.00 am on Friday and Saturday nights. He asked that a condition be included to ensure that doors and windows be kept closed after 22.00 hours whenever live or recorded music was played. He also considered that potentially the premises could stay open until 01.00 am each Friday and Saturday and recommended that conditions controlling this also be included.

At the request of the Chairman the Applicant agreed that persons leaving the pub be requested to keep noise to a minimum to respect neighbouring residential properties.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:36 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and Democratic Services Officers left the meeting and returned at 10:51 am, when the Sub-Committee reconvened.

application for new premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - bexon lane campsite, bexon lane, bredgar

Bexon Lane Campsite, Bexon Lane, Bredgar

Mrs Tracey Swift, the Applicant, presented her case. She explained that The Scouts would be celebrating their 100th Anniversary on 1st August 2007. The Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Scouts Group proposed to celebrate by inviting Scouts in Swale, 250 were expected, to an activity week at the Bexon Lane Campsite. The activities would include power boating, abseiling and many other activities. Live bands and discos were planned for the evenings and it was confirmed that these would be held in marquees. She explained that a licensed bar would be provided for adult volunteers, and highlighted that all alcohol would be kept in a locked box which only adults would have access to. She advised that they had requested a full Licence to enable events in the future. In response to a question she confirmed that the site would be for scout members only and would not be hired out to the general public.

The Environmental Protection Manager advised that they had objected to the application as they were concerned that residential properties were very close to the campsite and that the applicant had not illustrated how they would prevent music and amplified sound causing a nuisance to neighbouring residential properties. He suggested the applicants give neighbouring residents formal notification of any future events.

In response the Applicant advised that all local residents had been advised ten months previous that they would be applying for a New Premises Licence at the site.

The Chairman then read out the letter attached to the Agenda from a local resident objecting to the application. The Applicant responded to each concern raised.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 11:16 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and Democratic Services Officers left the meeting and returned at 11:24 am, when the Sub-Committee reconvened.