Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services, to determine the application for the variation of a premises licence for The Victory, School Street, Easington Colliery (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Boyes, on behalf of Easington Colliery Parish Council and as local Member, objected to the application.  He explained that he did not wish to prevent local businesses from thriving, however he was concerned with regards to the hours of business as this premises was on a walking route to school and he himself and a number of local residents and parents, were concerned about people consuming alcohol in the street whilst children were walking to school.  He confirmed that there had been a number of issues in the past at the premises, which had required police involvement, which had resulted in the installation of CCTV and the employment of door supervisors.  His objection was in relation to the protection of children from harm and public order.

Mr Baker, attending on behalf of the applicant, confirmed that any incidents had taken place prior to his tenancy which was signed approximately two and a half years ago and he assured Members that there had been no issues or police involvement since then.  He explained that the reason for the variation was to provide a service for the community, but also to improve business. In light of Councillor Boyes’ objection, he offered to reduce the hours for the consumption of alcohol to begin at 09:00 hrs instead of 08:00 hrs and this would ensure there was no alcohol served until children were in school.  He confirmed that since he had taken over the tenancy, he made sure the licensing objectives were adhered to and Pubwatch meetings were attended regularly. 

In response to a question from Councillor Crathorne, Mr Baker confirmed that there had been no incidents involving police in the time he was tenant at the premises.  Councillor Crathorne asked if the CCTV and door staff had been mutually agreed with the police and Mr Baker confirmed that it was already in place when he had taken over, but he assured the Sub-Committee that he followed the licensing objectives and if anyone became a nuisance in the pub, they were asked to leave.

Councillor Boyes responded to the offer to amend the hours for the sale of alcohol to 09:00 hrs and said that he would withdraw the objection, and on behalf of the Parish Council as this would mitigate concerns with regards to children walking to school.  He wanted assurances that the licensing objectives would be met and that customers would not be allowed to stand in the street with alcohol on a morning.

Mr Baker confirmed that he did have notices in the premises to deter people from going outside of the premises with glass but over time they were removed.  He said that he would ensure the signage was replaced and the rule would be enforced. 

Resolved:

That the application to vary the Premises Licence for the sale of alcohol from 09:00 hrs and all licensable activities to cease at 24:00 hrs be granted, with the conditions outlined in the report.