The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Northern Frontier Pub Rescue and Management Company Limited for a Premises Licence in respect of Moreton Sports and Social Club, Pasture Road, Moreton, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The hours requested were outlined within the report and the Licensing Manager advised that these hours had been amended since the original application.  The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives.  A copy of the full application was available.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

Members were advised that in accordance with the Live Music Act 2012, Live Music was no longer considered as the provision of regulated entertainment at a premises open for the supply of alcohol if it took place between 08:00 and 23:00, is unamplified or is amplified and takes place in the presence of an audience of no more than 200 persons.

A representation had been received from a local resident.  A petition had also been received from 11 local residents who were against the application.  The representation and petition related to noise nuisance from entertainment coming from the premises and nuisance caused by persons leaving the premises.  Copies of the representation and petition were available.

Mrs G Crawford, applicant attended the meeting together with Mrs T Coyne, Manager at the premises.

Mr Hughes, lead petitioner, who objected to the application was also in attendance.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.

Mrs Crawford addressed the Sub-Committee and advised Members that the application had been made in order that a community based establishment could continue to run as it had previously.  She explained that the intention was to maintain the Legion status in order that members could use the facilities of the Club.

Mrs Coyne explained that the aim was to keep the club going in order that the members could still attend and to keep the staff in employment and that the way in which the club was run would not change.

Members heard that the fire doors at the rear of the premises were used to allow disabled access and that the applicant had proposed a number of measures to control noise from the premises through these doors, namely

• To include a condition within the terms and conditions of function reservations that should members of the public open these doors, they would be liable to lose their deposit
• That the doors would be alarmed in such a way to alert staff when the doors are opened
• Members of the public would be directed to ask a member of staff to allow them to use the fire exit

Mrs Crawford and Mrs Coyne responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee and Mr Hughes.

Mr Hughes explained that his objections related to the noise emanating from the premises when live music was being played and noise escaping from the premises when the fire doors were being opened by patrons at the premises.  It was confirmed that the fire doors at the rear of the premises were used to allow disabled access.

Mr Hughes responded to questions from Members of the Sub-Committee, Mr D K Abraham, Mrs Crawford and Mrs Coyne.

Members considered the representations made by Mr Hughes which related particularly to noise emanating from the premises when live music was being played and the fire exit door being opened to allow access and egress.

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 Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members noted that the premises had undertaken to display clear notices to those using the premises that they must have respect for local residents and leave the premises quietly.  Members also gave consideration to how the premises would be operated and took into account the willingness of the applicant to uphold the licensing objectives and liaise with local residents.

Resolved –

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

(2)  That the amended application for a Premises Licence in respect of Moreton Sports and Social Club, Pasture Road, Moreton be granted with the following hours:

Sale by Retail of Alcohol

Monday to Thursday  13:00 to 23:00

Friday and Saturday   12:00 to 00:00

Sunday  12:00 to 23:30

Hours Open to the Public

Monday to Thursday  13:00 to 23:30

Friday and Saturday   12:00 to 00:30

Sunday  12:00 to 00:00

Regulated Entertainment (Indoor Sporting Events, Boxing or Wrestling Entertainments, Live Music and Recorded Music)

Monday to Thursday  13:00 to 23:00

Friday and Saturday   12:00 to 00:00

Sunday  12:00 to 23:30

(3)  That in addition to the conditions proposed in the operating schedule, the following condition be attached to the Premises Licence:

• The fire doors allowing disabled access must be alarmed in such a way to alert staff when the doors are opened.