The Director of Regeneration reported upon an application that had been received from Andrew Carr and Gerard White to grant a Premises Licence in respect of Sunset Over Thors Rock, Station Road, Thurstaston, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

 

Members confirmed that a site visit had taken place with Licensing Officers on 26 November 2009. 

 

The application was as follows:

 

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

 

Friday  13:00 to 01:00

Saturday  10:00 to 01:00

 

Regulated Entertainment (Exhibition of Films, Live Music, Recorded Music and Performance of Dance)

 

Friday and Saturday  13:00 to 01:30

Sunday  09:00 to 13:00

 

Entertainment Facilities (Facilities for Making Music, Dancing and Anything of a Similar Description)

 

Friday and Saturday   13:00 to 01:30

Sunday  09:00 to 13:00

 

Late Night Refreshment

 

Friday and Saturday 23:00 to 01:30

 

The applicant had also requested that the site be open to members of the public from 08:00 on Friday 28 May 2010 to 16:00 on Sunday 30 May 2010.

 

If granted, the licence would be in force for a limited period from Friday 28 May 2010 to Sunday 30 May 2010.

 

The applicants were required to submit an operating schedule which set out how they would conduct/manage their business in accordance with the four licensing objectives and Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule would become conditions of the licence should it be granted.

 

In respect of this application a total number of 123 representations had been received expressing concerns relating to the impact of the granting of the application on the four licensing objectives.  These included representations from individual residents and bodies representing residents.  They related to public nuisance that they considered would be caused by noise from entertainment coming from the site and by people attending the event.  The representations also related to public safety, in particular relating to the movement and volume of traffic.  A representation from St Bartholomew’s Church had also been received concerning the impact of traffic congestion and noise nuisance on a Wedding Service to be held on Saturday, 29 May and on the Sunday morning service.  Concerns had also been expressed regarding the potential for various forms of criminal activity, including offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 years.  Copies of representations were available.

 

Petitions had also been received from the Irby, Thurstaston & Pensby Amenity Society which contained 69 signatures and from the Thurstaston Caravan Owners Association which contained 78 signatures.  These petitions were signed by residents who were concerned with the application relating to the above representations.  Copies of the petitions were available.

 

Ward Councillors had also made representations on behalf of local residents.  The representations supported the views expressed by local residents.  Copies of the representations were available.

 

In support of the application, 36 representations had been received from residents and local businesses who had stated that they understood the measures that would be put in place to minimise the effect of the event and the security which would be put in place.  A representation had also been received from the Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Industry in support of the application.

 

Environmental Health had made a representation concerning the prevention of public nuisance.  The representation related to noise nuisance being caused to neighbouring premises including the residential caravan park and Caravan Club site.  A copy of the representation was available.

 

Merseyside Police made a representation in respect of this application.  The representation related to the possibility of an offence being committed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which potentially undermined the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

 

An expert opinion was sought by Merseyside Police.  Having considered the information provided by the expert, Merseyside Police withdrew their representations on the understanding that the conditions contained in the report were complied with.

 

Mr Carr and Mr White attended the meeting together with Mr Dow (Traffic Management Director, SEP), Mr James (Tess) and Mr McDonald  and Ms Falding (G4S Security) who would assist the applicant in the organisation and management of the event.

 

Also in attendance were Mr Horne, solicitor representing Mr and Mrs Walker (local residents), Mr Harris, Wirral Barn Owl Trust, Ms Carson, Secretary - Caravan Park, Mr Locke, Park Ranger and local resident.

 

Ward Councillors Jeff Green and David Elderton attended the meeting and made representations on behalf of local residents.

 

Mr J Joughin, Environmental Health Officer was also present.

 

The Licensing Officer confirmed that all relevant documentation had been sent and received and outlined the application.

 

Mr Carr addressed the Sub-Committee and outlined his reasons for the application.  He gave details regarding the numbers he expected that would attend the event (both campers and day ticket holders) and the acts he proposed would perform.  He reported that part time jobs would be created on site and that he had been in close consultation with three companies, G4S Security, Tess and SEP Traffic Management, who would assist in the organisation of the event and comply with the four licensing objectives.  He informed Members that he would liaise with Merseyside Police throughout the planning of the event.  He felt that Wirral would benefit as a whole if the application were to be granted and reported that a full event plan would be produced should the application be granted.

 

Mr James reported that he would ensure that a robust Safety Management Plan would be in place and that there would be co-operation between all parties.  A plan would be produced by the end of January/February should the application be granted and he would be willing to attend any Safety Advisory Group meetings.  He also reported that he would help ensure the organisation complied with the four licensing objections and any conditions which may be imposed.

 

Mr McDonald informed Members that a security plan would be produced which would cover all aspects of the event from the campsite to people entering and leaving the event.  He outlined the control measures that would be in place and that he would work in conjunction with Merseyside Police and Fire Service to produce a detailed plan.

 

Mr Dow explained that his company had been involved in major outdoor events for 27 years.  He reported that he would provide support for traffic management schemes and that he would work together with the relevant authorities and residents to form a multi-agency traffic management plan to ensure the safety of anyone at the event and which would cover the licensing objective of public safety.

 

Councillor Smith asked questions of the applicants regarding the issuing of tickets and what procedures would be in place for non-ticket holders.  He also noted that a letter of support had been received from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and asked Mr White if he was a member of the Committee.

 

Mr Carr responded to Councillor Smith and outlined procedures that would be in place for those who did not have a ticket for the event.  Mr White explained that he was the Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Councillor Wilkins asked questions regarding the steps that would be put in place to prevent selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18, the prevention of proxy sales and asked about numbers of bar staff and how they would be recruited and trained.

 

Mr McDonald reported that measures would be in place such as Challenge 21 and wristbands to be distributed to under 21’s.  Mr Carr outlined the number of staff proposed for each bar and reported that they would be SIA trained and there would also be a member of G4S Security on each bar.  Mr McDonald outlined the measures that would be in place to prevent proxy sales.

 

Councillor Williams asked questions regarding transporting members of the public to and from the site and how organisers would prevent disruption to the wedding which was to take place at the Church on Saturday, 29 May and the Sunday Service the following day.

 

Mr Carr explained that buses would be provided and that he had spoken to the Church and that he would ensure as far as possible there would be no disruption to the wedding or the Sunday Service.

 

Councillor Williams also asked what measures would be in place to protect the area and ensure that it would be restored to its present state.

 

Mr White responded that the structure would be temporary and that the grass would return to its current state.  Mr Carr informed that no glass would be allowed on site and litter pickers would be on duty constantly.

 

Mr Carr responded to a number of questions from Mr Abraham, Solicitor and Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee, regarding working with Merseyside Police, which areas would be supplying alcohol, the number of bars, whether alcohol would be allowed to be taken onto the site, lighting and plans for removal of litter and the supply of toilet facilities.

 

There was a short adjournment and the meeting re-convened at 12.15 pm.

 

Mr Joughin referred to the Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts.  He asked whether any thought had been given to the timing of main acts and winding down periods.

 

Mr Carr reported that a controlled wind down would take place from 11.00 pm.  He also reported that Environmental Health Officers would have a presence on site and that he would employ a suitably-qualified noise expert who would have full authority over the noise levels.

 

Councillor Green asked a number of questions including queries about traffic management, the number of buses that would be provided and whether the applicant had spoken to the Caravan Club and park, the Church, Wirral Country Park and local residents and received any agreement that they would be happy for the application to be granted.  He also asked questions regarding the set up and removal of the structures and the implications of such.

 

Mr Carr responded to the questions posed by Councillor Green.  He referred to provision in the plan for the use of 16 buses.  He had spoken to someone at the Church who had asked him to address the concerns in writing and he assured Members that the team would ensure the wedding that was to take place would not be affected by noise or traffic issues and similarly he would do his utmost to ensure normal Sunday services at the Church would not be affected by the event.  Mr Carr confirmed he would address these issues in a letter.  Mr Carr also reported that he would try and work with Wirral Country Park to resolve any objections they raised.  He also informed that he had written to the caravan park to explain the measures that would be in place regarding security.

 

Councillor Elderton pointed out that a letter had been received from the Regional Manager for the Caravan Club by way of an objection.  He asked questions regarding who would be allowed on site, how they would get to the site, when and where checks would be made for tickets, what lighting and heating would be proposed (and expressed concern regarding the noise emanating from generators) and what plans would be in place for removing vehicles for waste disposal.

 

Mr Dow and Mr James responded to questions from Councillor Elderton.  Mr Dow reported that there would be a checkpoint on site where ticket holders would be asked to produce wristbands.  People without tickets would be refused entry at the gates and details of these measures would be in the traffic management plan.  Mr James reported that generators would be used for lighting, however the noise produced from them would be a background noise and as such, negligible and therefore would not be a noise nuisance.  He also reported that a toilet contractor would be employed.

 

Mr Horne referred to a letter that was sent to residents from Mr White and Mr Carr regarding the proposed music festival which invited residents to contact them to arrange a meeting to address any concerns.  He felt that the letter gave the impression that this would be a one-day event and asked questions regarding this.

 

Mr Carr responded to those questions and confirmed that himself and Mr White were trying to address any concerns surrounding the music event.  He realised that the letter only referred to one day.  He confirmed that no acts had yet been booked however he proposed that there would be pop acts and commercial dj’s and that the event would span ages 18-35 and would be an eclectic event.  Mr Carr confirmed which fields would be used for camping and car parking and the distance these would be from the barn owls situated at Copperfield.  Mr White confirmed that the guidelines for e-coli would be complied with as the fields were currently used for grazing cattle.

 

Mr Horne asked the applicant if he was aware that Station Road was the main and only access to the beach for the coastguard.

Mr Dow reported that he was not aware of this however access for the coastguard would be agreed with the emergency services and would form part of the traffic management plan.

Mr Horne pointed out that there would be potentially two weeks of disruption to the area taking into account setting up time and a cleaning up period.

Mr Dow reported that loading up schedules would be looked at to minimise any disruption to the local community.

 

Mr Harris asked questions regarding the Barn Owls and the advice that had been sought by the applicant who had produced evidence from an expert named Colin Shawer.

 

Mr Carr reported that he had spoken to a number of people regarding the Barn Owls including the RSPB.

 

Mr Locke expressed concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder at the caravan site and asked how this and any damage caused to the nature reserve would be prevented

 

Mr McDonald reported that the Event would be enclosed completely and that the security firm would work closely with Merseyside Police.

 

Ms Carson asked if the applicant could ensure only members and their visitors would enter the caravan site.  Mr McDonald felt this could be achieved possibly by devising a pass system.

 

The meeting adjourned and reconvened at 2.30 pm.

 

Mr Joughin, Environmental Health Officer, made representations to the Sub-Committee and advised that noise would be likely to be audible at surrounding premises.  He felt that the key factor to control this would be to wind down the main acts after 11.00 pm and reported that a number of measures could be put in place to control volume.

 

Mr Joughin answered questions from Councillor Green, Mr Horne and Mr Harris regarding the noise levels and how residents would be affected.

 

Mr Harris made representations to the Sub-Committee and asked that the risk to the Barn Owls nesting locally be considered.  He informed Members that they were a threatened species and of special concern.  He reported upon the numbers of barn owls that were nesting across Wirral and the decline since 1985.  He referred to Section 1 of Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and expanded upon the fact that it would be an offence to disturb the birds intentionally or recklessly.  He felt that the birds would be disturbed if the application was to be granted and pointed out that the time at which the event would be taking place would be a sensitive period of the breeding season for the Barn Owls.  He referred to the distances of the boxes from the proposed event site and expressed concern regarding whether the Barn Owls would return to their nesting sites next year.  He also referred to Section 40 of the Natural Environment Rural Community Act.

 

Mr Harris responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee.

 

Councillor Green addressed the Sub-Committee and expressed concern regarding no proper management plans yet being in place.  He explained that the proposed event site was in a rural area where residents enjoyed a quiet, relaxed lifestyle with no disturbance.  He referred to the four licensing objectives and his concerns regarding the breach of each of them:

(i)  Prevention of Crime and Disorder - Councillor Green felt that as no age limit had been given, there was a potential for underage drinking.  He also had concerns regarding drugs.

(ii)  Public safety - He felt it was not clear where the buses would stop and whether passengers would be checked for tickets.  He reported that there were no pavements and felt that as there would be many cars, buses and people walking - there would be real issues regarding public safety.

(iii)  Public nuisance - He expressed concern regarding traffic, noise pollution and light pollution.  He also felt that the event would impact on the park, the Caravan Club, Church and the Wirral Way.

(iii)  Protection of Children from Harm - He reiterated his concerns regarding underage drinking and drugs. 

 

Councillor Green strongly urged that the application be refused.

 

Councillor Elderton addressed the Sub-Committee and explained that he had been requested to represent a number of individual objections to the application.  He endorsed the views of Councillor Green and felt that the application would breach the four licensing objectives should it be granted.  He also read out a letter of objection from the Regional Manager of the Caravan Club.  He further raised objections regarding a number of matters surrounding the application and felt that the application should not proceed without more details regarding the management plan being supplied.  He asked that the Sub-Committee refuse the application as he felt it did not meet with any of the four licensing objectives.

 

Mr Horne addressed the Sub-Committee and referred to Section 4 of the Licensing Act 2003.  He pointed out that there were no members of the public present at the meeting that were in support of the application and felt that many issues had remained unanswered.  He reported that the first concern of his clients was the impact on the Barn Owls.  He referred to paragraph 5.28 of the Guidance issue under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and paragraph 3.17 of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy.  He therefore requested that the application be rejected.

 

Ms Carson addressed the Sub-Committee and expressed concern regarding noise pollution.  She explained that as Secretary of the Caravan Association she represented the majority of the members.  She informed Members that the site was extremely peaceful and in a beautiful area.  She felt that if the application were to be granted it would be detrimental to the membership of the Caravan Association and also expressed concern regarding the security of the caravans during the event.  The main concerns were security, noise and public safety.

 

James Locke addressed the Sub-Committee.  He informed Members that Wirral Country Park attracted people from the North West of England to get away for peace and tranquillity and felt that their entire experience would be destroyed if the application were to be granted.  He felt that wildlife, park visitors and the area in general would be disrupted and asked that the application be rejected.  Mr Locke confirmed that he would expect approximately 2,000 visitors per day of the bank holiday weekend between the hours of 8am and 10pm to attend the Wirral Country Park.

 

There was a short adjournment and the meeting reconvened at 4.55 pm.

 

All parties made their final submissions to Members of the Sub-Committee.

 

Members of the Sub-Committee informed that a decision would be made within 5 working days of this meeting.

 

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub Committee had regard to the Licensing Objectives, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. Members had particular regard to both paragraphs 3.17 and 9.1 of the Licensing Policy and sought to achieve a balance between promoting live music and addressing the potential for limited disturbance by the imposition of appropriate conditions.

 

In determining the application the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee gave consideration to representations from Environmental Health in respect of the prevention of public nuisance. Members also had regard to representations from interested parties, including Wirral Barn Owl Trust, Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston Caravan Owners Association, various other associations and societies including the Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society (ITPAS), Local Ward Councillors and individual residents relating to the potential for crime and disorder and public nuisance, as well as concerns relating to public safety and the protection of children from harm. Members also had regard to letters provided in support of the application.

 

Members noted that a representation initially made by Merseyside Police had subsequently been withdrawn. The representation related to the possibility of an offence being committed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, if a music festival was to take place at the proposed location, which would potentially undermine the Licensing Objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.  The offence being to intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird (in this case Barn Owls) included in Schedule 1 of the 1981 Act, whilst it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young or disturbs dependant young of such a bird.

 

Members were informed that an expert opinion had been sought by Merseyside Police and having considered the information provided by the expert, Merseyside Police had withdrawn their representation on the understanding that the applicant complied with a number of conditions.

 

In determining the matter Members took account of the fact that there was no representation from Merseyside Police, in particular relating to the Prevention of Crime and Disorder and no representations from the following Responsible Authorities: Merseyside Fire Service, The Area Child Protection Committee, Trading Standards and Planning. Members further noted that the representation from Environmental Health included conditions that could be put in place to promote the Prevention of Public Nuisance.

 

Members of the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee took account of the fact that the application was for a limited period of time between Friday, 28 May 2010 to Sunday, 30 May 2010 and that the live music event would take place no earlier that 13:00 on Saturday, 29 May 2010.

 

Members gave consideration to representations that raised concerns regarding the lack of a detailed Event Plan being available, but accepted the evidence provided by the applicant through his expert witnesses that stringent measures would be put in place to ensure that the event would take place in accordance with the Licensing Objectives. Members noted in particular, the knowledge and expertise that would be used by the applicant through the employment of companies with many years experience of organising major events. Members took account of the ability of the experts to address issues relating to: security, safety and traffic management. Members further noted the willingness of the applicant to employ a suitably qualified noise expert to assist in the planning of the event and deal with any issues arising during the event.

 

Members considered carefully each of the concerns raised by the interested parties and sought to address the issues through both the hours determined when licensable activities would take place and the imposition of appropriate and relevant conditions.

 

Members of the Sub-Committee considered that the decision and the conditions applied were a proportionate response to the application presented and were necessary for the promotion of the Licensing Objectives.

 

Resolved -

 

(A)  That in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the application.

 

(B)  That after giving careful consideration to the application and the representations made in writing and orally at the hearing, the application for a Premises Licence be granted under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 with the following hours:

 

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

 

Friday  13:00 to 00:00

Saturday  10:00 to 00:00

 

Regulated Entertainment (Exhibition of Films, Live Music, Recorded Music and Performance of Dance)

 

Sunday  09:00 to 13:00

Friday and Saturday  13:00 to 00:00

 

 

Entertainment Facilities (Facilities for Making Music, Dancing and Anything of a Similar Description)

 

Friday and Saturday  13:00 to 00:00

Sunday  09:00 to 13:00

 

Late Night Refreshment

 

Friday and Saturday  23:00 to 00:30

 

The event will be open to members of the public from 08:00 on Friday, 28 May 2010 until 16:00 on Sunday, 30 May 2010.

 

(C)  That in addition to the appropriate conditions proposed in the operating schedule the following conditions are to be applied to the licence:

 

1)  Music provided by the event organiser must be confined within four marquees. The main stage will occupy the largest of the marquees, measuring 40ftx40ft.  This would be sited so that it is orientated so that the front is open to the south west.

 

2)  The three other smaller marquees will be positioned north west of the main marquee.

 

3)  Car parking facilities must not be provided within 240 metres of the nearest Barn Owl site.

 

4)  Security fencing must be installed around the festival site and specifically around the perimeter of the nearby property. The fencing surrounding the private pastureland must be no higher than the existing hedges.

 

5)  Artificial lighting must be directed towards the north and west and away from the two nesting sites.

 

6)  Site lighting to be positioned in consultation with Environmental Health so as not to be intrusive into local properties.

 

7)  Ensure that all premises that are likely to be affected by noise from the event are fully advised of the nature and extent of the event will in advance of the event taking place.

 

8)  The Premises Licence Holder must consult with Environmental Health in respect of noise levels from generators.

 

9)  Contact telephone numbers should be made readily available to all nearby residents in case of particular problems during the event.

 

10)The Premises Licence Holder shall take all measures necessary and available to minimise the impact of the event on neighbouring premises.

 

11)The Premises Licence Holder shall include a ‘winding down’ period from 11.00 pm in the Event Management Plan ensuring that no principal artist appears after this time.

 

12)The Premises Licence Holder shall appoint a suitably qualified and experienced noise control consultant, prior to the event.  The noise control consultant shall liaise between all parties including Environmental Health, sound system supplier, sound engineer and the Licensing Authority, etc. on all matters relating to noise control prior to and during the event.

 

13)The noise control consultant must be given executive control over the music levels so that if noise levels become excessive they can reduce the volume without having to refer to a third party.

 

14)The noise control consultant shall carry out a survey to determine the background noise levels (as defined by the Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts) at locations around the venue representative of the noise sensitive premises likely to experience the largest increase in noise/highest noise level as a result of the concert.

 

15)A noise propagation test shall be undertaken prior to the start of the event in order to set appropriate control limits at the sound mixer position.  The sound system shall be configured and operated in a similar manner as intended for the event.  The sound source used for the test shall be similar in character to the music likely to be produced during the event.

 

16)At the event, the control limits set at the mixer position shall be adequate to ensure that Music Noise Level (MNL) shall not at any noise sensitive premises exceed a level agreed in consultation with Environmental Health.

 

17)During any rehearsal or sound check for the event, the control limits set at the mixer position shall be adequate to ensure that MNL shall not at any noise sensitive premises exceed a level agreed in consultation with Environmental Health.

 

18)The Licensee shall ensure that the promoter, sound system supplier and all individual sound engineers are informed of the sound control limits and that any instructions from the noise control consultant regarding noise levels shall be implemented.

 

19)The appointed noise control consultant shall continually monitor noise levels at the sound mixer position and advise the sound engineer accordingly to ensure that the noise limits are not exceeded.  The Licensing Authority shall have access to the results of the noise monitoring at any time.

 

20)Rehearsals and sound checks to be carried out in consultation with Environmental Health.

 

21)The number of tickets/authorised passes/complimentary tickets/staff tickets shall not exceed 7,500.

 

22)No person shall be permitted into the event without a ticket.

 

23)Tickets for the event must be sold prior to the weekend of the event.  No tickets will be sold on site.

 

24)The tickets for the event shall be printed in such a manner so that they are reasonably incapable of being forged or copied.

 

25)A certificate from the printer shall be forwarded to the Licensing Authority 28 days prior to the event, certifying the total number of tickets and passes printed and that they have been sequentially numbered.

 

26)The Licensee shall ensure that those persons arriving without a valid ticket will be refused entry and managed in a responsible manner. This shall include those who arrive via any form of public transport and attempt to access any buses provided by the event organiser. No vehicle shall be permitted to remain on the site without an official car park pass and any occupants within any vehicle shall not be allowed to remain on the site unless they have a valid ticket or pass.

 

27)An Event Management Plan, including the site plan, must be submitted in writing to the Licensing Authority no later than 28 February 2010 for approval.

 

28)No licensable activities for the public shall take place unless the Event Management Plan is approved by the Licensing Authority.

 

29)The Licensing Authority shall determine if any alterations to the Event Management Plan require an application pursuant to the Licensing Act 2003.

 

30)The Event Management Plan shall convert to a condition of the licence when approved in writing by the Licensing Authority.

 

31)The Premises Licence Holder shall ensure that appropriate personnel within the management structure of the event including contractors and sub-contractors that are involved in the organisation of the event shall be aware of the conditions applied to the Licence.

 

32)A Campsite Management Plan must be provided to the Licensing Authority and other relevant agencies no later than 28 February 2010.

 

33)A Major Incident Contingency Plan must be provided to the Licensing Authority and other relevant agencies no later than 28 February 2010.

 

34)An effective Traffic Management Plan must be developed in consultation with Technical Services and the Emergency Services as well as Merseyside Police.  Provision must be included in this plan to address the needs of persons attending St Bartholomew’s Church.

 

35)The Premises Licence Holder or a nominated deputy shall be available at the premises at all times during the hours when the premises are open to the public.

 

36)The Premises Licence Holder must carry out all necessary consultations with Wirral Borough Council’s Events Advisory Group, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Highways Authority, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Ambulance Service, Health and Safety Executive, and any other relevant organisations, and obtain all necessary permissions, licences, authorisations and approvals.  The Licence Holder must attend all meetings as requested by the Events Advisory Group.

 

37)The Premises Licence Holder must liaise with a representative of the Thurstaston Caravan Owners Association, Wirral Country Park, Wirral Barn Owl Trust and residents during the development of the Event Management Plan.

 

38)The Premises Licence Holder must ensure appropriate security is provided for residents and visitors to both caravan parks during the event including the provision of security passes where appropriate.

 

39)The Premises Licence Holder must include a litter plan within the Event Management Plan.

 

40)There must be no glass bottles or vessels on the main arena site.

 

41)The Premises Licence Holder must adopt a ‘Challenge 25’ policy for all sales of alcohol at the event.

 

42)Proof of age must be evidenced by an accredited Proof of Age Card, such as a Citizen Card or Portman Proof of Age Card or by a full or provisional photo card driving licence, or by a passport. If there is any doubt as to the age of the customer they shall be refused service. A register of refusals shall be maintained at each bar and shall be available for inspection by the relevant agencies.  The onus is on the individual to demonstrate unequivocally that they are 18 years old or over and if the individual cannot do so they shall not be served.  This message shall be printed on the event’s official website in advance.  It shall also be posted in the actual bars.  Warning signs shall be used to also advise of the illegality of adults purchasing alcohol on behalf of those under 18.

 

43)No bar servers shall be under 18 years of age.  All reasonable efforts shall be made to stop and discourage underage drinking by placing spotters in the bar areas and by the DPS briefing all bar security as well as the bar staff to monitor for instances of underage drinking.  In addition the DPS, security, the bar tent manager and other bar supervisors shall also monitor the performance of the serving staff.  Any underage drinkers who are found arriving or onsite with alcohol shall have the alcohol confiscated by security.

 

44)Cattle and other farm animals must be excluded from grazing on any part of the event site that is to be used for camping or entertainment for a minimum of 2 months prior to the traders being admitted onto the site and up until camping has ceased on site.

 

45)During the event, the Premises Licence Holder must not allow dogs onto the site other than Guide Dogs and other assistance dogs.

 

46)The company profile and the training documentation for each company shall be available on request to the Licensing Authority.  Security staff shall be briefed on the policies concerning the admission, exclusion and safeguarding of ticket holders whilst on the premises. 

 

47)All reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that there are no unaccompanied under 16s onsite. Ticket terms and conditions shall state this and random checks shall be made by spotters and security along with checks at the entrances to site. Security and stewards shall be briefed to look out for unaccompanied under 16s.

 

48)Any under 16s who are evicted shall be offered a phone call to their parents or guardians, and their welfare needs shall be addressed.

49)The provision of a shuttle bus service from West Kirby Station must be for ticket holders only.  Tickets must be shown before boarding the bus.

 

(D)  That Members recommended that free drinking water be available.