Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which gave details of an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Newton Aycliffe WMC (for copy see file of Minutes).

A plan showing the location of the premises had been circulated to Members together with a copy of representations received from Mr Farrell, Interested Party and a letter from the Club in response to his representation.

In presenting the report the Acting Team leader - Licensing advised that during the consultation period an agreement had been reached between the applicants and the Principal Public Protection Officer for Durham County Council. Accordingly the applicants had amended their application and had added two conditions to the operating schedule, details of which were set out in the report.

It was noted that Mr Farrell was not in attendance.

Mr J Purves, the applicant’s representative stated that the premises was a large purpose built building with a concert room, bars and offices. In recent years membership had declined and for economic reasons the Club wished to make the premises available for functions.

Mr Purves addressed Mr Farrell’s representations. He advised that the letter sent to Mr Farrell had attempted to allay some of his concerns. The changes to the opening hours were minor and the premises would only open at 10am for functions such as funerals and weddings. With regard to Mr Farrell’s comments with regard to the burger van situated outside the premises on occasions, Mr Purves explained that the Club did not employ or invite street vendors to trade outside the Club.

The Club car park was large with spaces for over 100 cars and was only full during school runs. Parking was actively encouraged by the Club at these times to prevent traffic congestion. The majority of their members lived locally and therefore walked to the Club.

To conclude he stated that the premises were well-run and if granted the Premises Licence would help the Club to remain viable in the future. 

In response to a question Mr Dooney, applicant stated that the Club would continue as a members and guests only premises but membership would not be necessary for functions.

At 10.16am the Sub-Committee retired to deliberate the application in private. After re-convening at 10.23am the Chair delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision.

In determining the application, Members had considered the report of the Licensing Officer, Section 182 Guidance and the Council’s Licensing Policy, together with written representations of the Interested Party, and the verbal and written representations of the applicant.

Resolved:

(a)               That the application be granted as follows:- 

Opening hours of the premises          Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 24.00

Sale of alcohol for consumption

on and off the premises                     Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 23.30

Plays                                                  Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00 

Indoor Sporting Events                       Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Boxing or Wrestling

Entertainment                                     Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Live Music (indoors only)                   Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Recorded music (indoors

only)                                                   Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Performance of dance

(indoors only)                                     Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Entertainment of a similar

Nature to live or recorded music,

or performances of dance (indoors

only)                                                   Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00              

Provision of facilities for making

Music (indoors)                                   Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Provision of facilities for dancing

(indoors)                                             Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00

Provision of facilities for

entertainment similar to making

music or dancing (indoors only)         Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00     

Provision of late night refreshment

(indoors only)                                     Monday to Sunday 11.00 to 23.00                 

(b)               That the following conditions be imposed upon the licence:-

(i)                 No adult entertainment or service activities that may give rise to concern in respect of children shall be provided whilst children are present on the premises 

(ii)               Notices will be put near to all gaming machines informing customers of the age restrictions on playing game machines. One of the CCTV cameras to be sited in this area

(iii)             Notices will be displayed requesting customers to remain with their children whilst on the premises

(iv)              All external doors and windows shall be kept closed, other than for access and egress in all rooms when events involving regulated entertainment are taking place

(v)                If considered necessary by a Council Enforcement Officer, a sound/noise limiting device shall be installed in order to control the sound/noise during regulated entertainment. The device shall be fitted, installed and set under the directions of a Pollution Control Officer and must be in full working order during the performance of regulated entertainment. No regulated entertainment shall take place unless any amplified system used during the performance is linked/powered to/by the limiting device.