Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change regarding an application to grant a Premises Licence in respect of Aldin Grange Farm, Aldin Grange Lakes, Bearpark (for copy see file of Minutes).

A copy of the application and supporting documentation had been circulated to all parties, together with letters of support provided by the Applicants.

The Licensing Team Leader presented her report and explained that both the applicants and objectors were not in attendance. The parties had requested that the hearing proceed in their absence and the Applicants  had provided a written statement prepared by their representative Chloe Atkinson which the Licensing Team Leader read out to the Sub-Committee.

The statement provided some background to the business and explained that Ms Atkinson worked closely with the Applicants on the farm and that she had recently opened Field and Fodder, a farm shop offering some of the amazing local produce that could be found in the North of England, and part of the building where a licence would apply if granted. She had grown up at the farm and knew the surrounding area very well.

The statement addressed some of the concerns raised by Mr Alan Hodgson. She was aware of the covenant on the land and had sought legal advice on this matter. If the licence was granted, alcohol would not be sold until this matter was resolved.

With regard to the comments regarding  “drunken youths”, “loud music”, “foul language” and other antisocial behaviour, she did not know what Mr Hodgson was referring to and hoped that the Sub-Committee could see from letters and signatures of residents in the direct area that this sort of behaviour was not and had never been a part of life at Aldin Grange. The only time there had been a temporary structure at the farm was a marquee in the fishing lake car park for her own wedding, where a fully licenced external company was used to provide a bar. This event was on August 19^th 2017. Music levels/ noise had never been raised as a concern from any authority and they had never been asked to restrict this to 23.00 hours as Mr Hodgson had suggested.

With regard to Mr Hodgson’s comments regarding the licensing hours, the hours applied for were not excessive and were for the sale of alcohol during opening hours and for small pre-booked tasting evenings within the shop, together with services such as late-night shopping during festive periods without the need to submit TEN applications.

In conclusion, Ms Atkinson stated that this was a family run business in rural Durham. The café had some loyal and valued customers who came back again and again due to the beautiful and relaxing environment at Aldin Grange Lakes. Her shop was an artisan shop which would benefit from selling craft ales and liquors from the local area both as gifts and for people to enjoy and learn about all of the amazing companies right on their doorstep. She hoped that the Sub-Committee would consider all of the facts and come to the agreement that the licence should be granted for Aldin Grange Lakes.

Following a question from the Chair regarding the comments about public disorder, the Licensing Team Leader confirmed that no representations had been received from the Police or Environmental Health.

At 1.40pm the Sub-Committee Resolved to retire to deliberate the application in private. After re-convening at 1.50pm the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision. In reaching their decision, the Sub-Committee had taken into account the report of the Licensing Team Leader and the additional information provided, together with the written objections by Mr A Hodgson, and the written statement on behalf of the Applicants. Members had also considered Durham County Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and Section 182 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED:

That the application be granted as follows:

The following conditions to be attached to the licence:

1.         The following steps will be used to promote the prevention of crime and disorder:

(a)         Use of signage to increase visibility of lack of tolerance of any criminal/unruly behaviour

(b)         Proof of age scheme to b e in place for both café and farm shop

(c)         Remote cameras used currently to monitor behaviour of anyone on site

(d)         Mobile phones with all staff to connect with local police

(e)         Open containers not to be taken off premises

(f)           Incident log to report any incidents at the premises

2.   The following steps will be used to promote public safety:

(a)         Safe capacity limits to be monitored by business owners

(b)         Remote cameras to monitor/maintain flow of people

(c)         Regular cleaning of areas

(d)         Staff fully trained

3.         The following steps will be used to prevent public nuisance:

(a)         Limited hours of operation

(b)         Log for recording nuisance complaints

(c)         Bins out of way of premises

(d)         Booking system for any public on site after general 9.00am to 5.00pm

4.         The following steps will be used to protect children from harm:

(a)         Any person suspected of being below 18 will be challenged for ID

(b)         Drinking will not be promoted as the primary reason to visit this venue

(c)         There is no other ‘adult entertainment’