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

new time limited premises application

The Chairman introduced the report which provided details of an application from Faversham Hop Festival Limited requesting the removal of four conditions in respect of Noise Monitoring at the Preston Street site for the duration of the Hop Festival weekend.

Mr Durkin, Director of the Faversham Hop Festival Limited, presented his case for removing the conditions. He explained that following complaints in 2005 he had taken on responsibility for noise monitoring, but due to other Festival commitments and not being able to provide the equipment required he would no longer be able to be responsible for monitoring noise at the event. Mr Durkin stated that he had complete faith that the qualified sound engineers would ensure sound levels were maintained at an acceptable level.

Mr Durkin drew attention to the noise report he had produced in 2010 which confirmed that there had been effective noise control at the Festival for the last five years with no noise complaints received. Mr Durkin stated that the Code of Practice target of 65dB(A) when crowd noise was greater was impossible to achieve, and it would be better for it to be set at 15dB(A), as set by Environmental Health Officers for events such as the Notting Hill Carnival.

Mr Durkin considered that they were being unfairly treated as other events at other local venues were not subject to the same conditions.

The Environmental Protection Manager spoke against removal of the conditions. He stated that whilst he had some sympathy with the Festival organisers, complaints had been received during 2007 and 2008 and it was important that noise be monitored at the site. He agreed that the Code of Practice on 'Environmental Noise Control at Concerts' published in 1995 was inappropriate for the Hop Festival, but stated that some form of control was necessary.

The Environmental Protection Manager drew attention to his proposed recommendations, which he considered to be balanced, fair and enforceable.

In response to a query, the Environmental Protection Manager advised that equipment was not required to monitor sound at the site.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:50 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 11 am to make their decision.

application for a new premises licence under the licensing act 2003

The Chairman introduced the report which provided details of an application for sale of alcohol only, at a storage unit on the Klondyke Industrial Estate, Queenborough.

Mr Thorpe, the applicant, presented his case. Mr Thorpe explained that he hoped to be able to provide an alcohol delivery service from the Klondyke Industrial Estate from which he had 24 hour access. He stated that CCTV would be installed at both the premises and vehicle.

In response to queries from Members, Mr Thorpe stated that the times requested were needed to ensure the business was viable and he had chosen the Klondyke Industrial estate as it was the only 24 hour unit, he would not be able to afford the overheads of a premises further in town.

In response to concerns Mr Thorpe agreed that he would only distribute to residential addresses and only deliver to three properties on any one run.

A Member raised concern with regard to underage sales. Mr Thorpe stated that he could impose a membership only rule, which would help to prevent this.

Mr Rowley (Police Licensing Officer) raised objection to the application. He outlined the eight conditions they would like imposed. Mr Thorpe confirmed he had no objections to these conditions.

Mr Rowley (Police Licensing Officer) stated that they had concerns that the sale of alcohol during the early hours could increase public disorder issues. He asked that the hours of operation be amended to 17:00 hours to 23:00 hours.

Mr Thorpe stated these hours of operation would not be viable. Mr Thorpe advised that he would be prepared to reduce the hours he had requested to 17:00 hours to 03:30 hours.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 11:35 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer returned at 11:45 am.