To consider a new premises licence for The Little Blue Hut, South Street, Queenborough.

Tabled appendices VI and VII added 4.10.22.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report which asked Members to consider the application for a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of premises at The Little Blue Hut, Queenborough Harbour, South Street, Queenborough.  She referred to the details of the application as set out at paragraph 3.2 on page six of the Agenda and advised that within the 28-day consultation period, eight representations had been received from members of the public, as set out at Appendix V, and one from Kent Police who had requested conditions as set out in paragraph 4.2 on pages seven and eight of the Agenda.  The Licensing Team Leader drew attention to the tabled information at appendices VI and VII.

The applicants spoke in support of the application, advising that the premises had tables and chairs outside when they took over the premises in June 2022, and was popular with families.  They explained that previously the premises was not operating very successfully but they had turned it around and had been using Temporary Event Notices over the summer without any issue.

The applicants said that the Little Blue Hut was not intended to be a public house but a place to be enjoyed with limited food and alcohol choice, and it supported the regular market.  They explained that they had carefully considered the representations but the anti-social behaviour referred to had nothing to do with their operation.

Members asked questions and raised points which included:

·         How regularly were the market days held, and how many additional days was the licence required for?;

·         what type of alcohol would be available?; and

·         more detail on toilet facilities.

In response, the applicants advised that markets were held weekly on Saturdays, but regularity would be trialled throughout the winter. They said that only small bottles of wine and small mixed cans of cocktails, bottled beers and cider would be served and they confirmed that there was a portaloo in addition to the toilets at the site, located in the yard area. There was some discussion on the area the licence would cover and in response to a further question from a member, the applicants explained that bottled beers would be decanted into plastic glasses.

Interested parties were then invited to speak.

Queenborough and Halfway Ward Councillor Simon Fowle said he had no objection to the facility or alcohol being served during market hours, but live music events were too loud and disturbed to residents.  He said that customers were not using the portaloo facilities provided and at recent public meetings, residents had raised concern over anti-social activities.  In response, the applicants said that anti-social activities had occurred in the area for a long time and were not the fault of the Little Blue Hut, and they were happy to speak to residents to put their mind at rest.

Mrs St. John-Knight spoke in support of the Queenborough area which she said was up-and-coming, and added that although the Little Blue Hut was a welcome addition, there were potential issues relating to alcohol.  She raised concerns over health and safety so close to the sea wall, and an increased risk when alcohol was involved.  Mrs St. John-Knight also raised concern over litter and of noise and disturbance to residents, although she said that low-key music on minimal occasions might be acceptable.  She said that she supported local businesses but there were already enough venues in the area that served alcohol.   Mrs St. John-Knight suggested CCTV should be installed at the premises.

In response to questions about providing a sound buffer or whether there was an intention to build a stage to accommodate bands, the applicants said a stage would not be built and music would be low key, such as jazz music.  They added that there had been no noise issues raised during the temporary licence period and there were no noise issues at other premises she was involved in.  They thanked everyone for their positive and constructive comments.

In respect of improving safety by the sea wall, the Chair asked whether it was possible to install a natural barrier?  The applicant said that railings, a chain-link fence or benches could be provided.  In response to a member’s question about anti-social behaviour in the area, the applicant confirmed that the Police were aware and had been called out to incidents.

Members of the Sub-Committee and the Lawyer (Contentious) adjourned at 10.43 am to make their decision.

The Lawyer (Contentious) returned to the meeting at 11.22 am to clarify details on the plan submitted with the application.

Members of the Sub-Committee the Lawyer (Contentious) and the Democratic Services Manager returned to the meeting at 12.10pm and the decision, attached as Appendix I to these minutes, was announced.

Resolved:

(1)  The Sub-Committee agreed to grant the licence, including conditions 1-13 as set out in Appendix I to these minutes.