Agenda and minutes

1.         This meeting is to be webcast. Participants are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking.

2.         The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be recorded and will be capable of repeated viewing (or another use by such third parties).

If you are seated in the lower public seating area it is likely that the recording cameras will capture your image and this will result in the possibility that your image will become part of the broadcast.

This may infringe your human and data protection rights and if you wish to avoid this you should move to the upper public gallery.”

The Chairman made a short address to remind everyone present that the meeting would be recorded and would be capable of repeated viewing on the internet, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

To be announced at the meeting.

It was noted that Councillor L Mead was substituting for Councillor D Sunger.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

a)    Pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor L Mead declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda since she had attended Town Council meetings with objector Town Cllr Barbra Cohen, but this had not fettered her discretion. The Councillor determined that she would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and determination thereon:

·                    Application for a New Premises License – St John the Baptist Church Hall and Field, Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD

b)    Pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor I Allgood declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda since he had attended Town Council meetings with objector Town Cllr Barbra Cohen, but this had not fettered his discretion. The Councillor determined that he would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and determination thereon:

·                    Application for a New Premises License – St John the Baptist Church Hall and Field, Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD

To note the adopted procedure for the conduct of business by the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the agreed procedure for the conduct of business and the Terms of Reference.

The three Councillors presiding over this application were Cllr John Whitehouse (Chairman), Cllr Ian Allgood and Cllr Louise Mead. In attendance for the application were Reverend Chris Davies and Mrs Sam Davies (Applicants). Objectors present were Town Cllr. Barbra Cohen, and Mr and Mrs Rucco. Present as a spectator were Judith Walker from Loughton Residence association. The Councils Legal Officer was Amanda Apcar.

The Licencing Compliances Officer, Handan Ibrahim, introduced the new Premises License application in respect of St John the Baptist Church Hall and Field, Church Lane, Loughton, IG10 1PD. The application was for the following licensable activities:

·         Supply of Alcohol (both on & off the premises)

Monday to Sunday – 10:30 to 23:00

Non-standard Timings – Christmas Eve 10:30 to 23:30

·         Provision of Live Music (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Sunday – 10:00 to 23:00

·         Provision of Recorded Music (indoors and outdoors)

·         Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00

·         Provision of Performances of Dance (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00

·         Hours Premises will be open to the public

Monday to Sunday – 09:00 to 23:00

Non-standard Timings – Christmas Eve 09:00 to 00:00

H Ibrahim reported that objections had been received from neighbours and Town Cllr. Cohen. No nuisance reports or reports of anti-social behaviour had been received from the police.

The Applicant made a statement in support of the application, addressing the concerns of the objectors in relation to noise, anti-social behaviour and littering – stating a permanent licence would give the licensee greater control over alcohol consumption and noise levels, as well as rights to marshal events. The Applicant hope a permanent license would eliminate the need for several temporary licenses every year. The hall is generally fully booked, the intention therefore is not to increase the number of events, rather make it more flexible with regards to the existing events.

The Objectors and the Sub-Committee asked a number of questions regarding the application. Mrs Davies explained a permanent License would give the Church greater control as bar staff would be trained to adhere to Licencing laws. Regarding noise levels Mrs Davies ensured that speakers and amplifiers would be positioned in order to minimise noise pollution. The intention would not be to hold more events, rather to reduce the bureaucracy surrounding temporary licences for existing events.

Mrs Davies made a closing statement, before the Sub-Committees retired for their deliberations, considering the representations made in relation to the application, the licensing objectives, the relevant sections of the Council’s Licencing Policy, and the Government guidance.

The Sub-Committee returned and advised the participants of their decision. The participants were reminded of their right to appeal to a magistrates Court within 21 days of this decision.

Resolved:

1)    The decision of this Sub-Committee is that the application for a Premises Licence in respect of St John the Baptist Church Hall and Field, Church Lane, Loughton, IG10 1PD be granted for:

·         Supply of Alcohol (both on & off the premises)

Monday to Sunday – 10:30 to 23:00

Non-standard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.