Agenda item

 The Sub-Committee made the following decision having regard to:

- the four licensing objectives:

  - The Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 – 2021

  - Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003

  - Written and oral representations from the Applicant

  - Written and oral representations from local residents

The Public Health Nuisance Team withdrew their objections subject to conditions.

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to GRANT the application amended as follows:

•  Sale or supply of alcohol on Monday to Thursday – 10.00 to 23:00

•  Sale or supply of alcohol on Friday and Saturday – 10.00 to 24:00

•  Sale or supply of alcohol on Sunday – 10:00 to 22.30

Regulated entertainment shall be the same as the timings set out above.

Late night refreshments shall be the same as the timings set out in paragraph

above--subject to the following conditions:-

•  All doors and windows shall be kept shut during regulated entertainment except to allow access and egress.

•  A noise limiting device shall be fitted so that all regulated entertainment is channelled through the device(s). The maximum noise levels will be determined by and set to the satisfaction of the London Borough of Bromley’s Environmental Health Service and will be reviewed from time to time as appropriate. The limiter shall not be altered without prior agreement with the Environmental Health Service. No alteration or modification to any existing sound system(s) should be undertaken without prior knowledge of the Environmental Health Service. No additional sound generating equipment shall be used on the premises without being routed through the noise limiter device. The licence holder will be responsible for engaging the services of a sound engineer or similar to assist with setting and sealing the equipment. .

•  Clear signage to be displayed for patrons using transport including taxis.

Reasons for the Decision: 

The Sub-Committee was informed at the hearing that the Public Health Nuisance Team had withdrawn their objections following conversations with the applicant who had agreed to accept a number of conditions.

The Chairman was minded to defer the application due to discrepancies in the application form, including the provision of light refreshments, adult entertainment, CCTV and the prevention of public nuisance.  The Applicant, Mr Mark Wood, was however prepared to clarify any points raised at the hearing. He explained that he had problems completing the application form including understanding how to answer some of the questions.

Councillor Rutherford put forward representations on behalf of residents. In particular he emphasised that the premises was located in a predominately residential area and raised concerns about the noise levels emanating from the premises and the need for adequate soundproofing. He stated that residents have been unable to sleep at times and/or open their windows.

The Chairman asked whether the noise issues had been reported to the Noise Team. He was informed that Environmental Health was made aware of the matter.

Licensing Officer Steve Phillips pointed out that the Public Health Nuisance Team may have received reports of noise relating to TENS rather than to the day to day running of the premises.

Some local residents were also present at the hearing. Some were concerned about the quality of the application and wanted clarification in relation to timings and noise; others wanted to work with the Applicant to achieve a common ground.

The Applicant confirmed that the clubhouse (premises) had double glazing.  A member of the panel asked the Applicant whether he would be prepared to install a noise limiter. The applicant stated that although it would be possible he was concerned about the cost in the region of £700.00 - £800.00. Steve Philips, Licensing Officer confirmed that a noise limiter was a standard condition placed on licences where appropriate.

The Applicant addressed the residents by assuring them that he did not intend to turn the Golf Club into a night club. He explained that his prime aim was to use the premises licence to supplement a loss in membership by holding occasional birthday parties and weddings.  He explained the drawbacks of using TENS and wanted to overcome the limitations by applying for a new premises licence. 

The Applicant put forward his representations and addressed the gaps in the application form, including late night refreshments, Sunday opening/closing times and adult entertainment. He stated that he had spoken to other residents including a resident situated nearest to the premises, who had raised no objections to his application.

The Sub-Committee was presented with a letter from the Public Health Nuisance Team which set out the conditions. The Applicant stated that he would be prepared to accept the conditions if a licence was granted. The Applicant also explained to the panel rules surrounding golf membership and the distinction between the former and members of the public.

The applicant stated Sue Jones will be acting as DPS and that she was currently undergoing training. Steve Philips outlined the role of DPS at the hearing.

Sub-committee’s findings and reasons:

Taking all the circumstances into consideration, the Sub-Committee considered that the imposition of the additional licence conditions listed above was necessary and proportionate in order to promote the prevention of public nuisance public safety licensing objectives.

The Public Health Nuisance Team withdrew their objections subject to conditions: