Agenda item

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 Timings – Christmas Eve 10:30 to 23:30

·         Provision of Live Music (indoors)

Monday to Sunday – 10:00 to 23:00

·         Provision of Recorded Music (indoors)

Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00

·         Provision of Performances of Dance (indoors & 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

Subject to the following conditions;

·         Provision of Amplified Live Music (outdoors)

Monday to Sunday – 10:00 to 22:00

·         Provision of Amplified Recorded Music (outdoors)

Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 22:00