Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting and the Chairman to present and explain the procedure for the meeting.

Proposed by Cllr Sarah Williams, seconded by Cllr Mike Barron

Decision: That Cllr Jon Andrews be elected as chairman for the duration of the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Emma Parker, Cathy Lugg and David Morgan, substituted by Cllrs Mike Barron and Sarah Williams

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items

An application has been made to review the premises licence for the Sunset Bar (formerly Cool Runnings) in Weymouth. The application has been out to public consultation and has attracted relevant representations. A Licensing Sub-Committee must consider the application and representations at a public hearing. 

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report and informed the sub-committee that an application had been made to review Sunset Bar’s premises licence.

All parties were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Licensing Team Leader

The applicants were given the opportunity to state their case for the revision of the licence.  The applicants informed the sub-committee that they lived in flats above the premises and outlined the issues relating to noise being unbearable, which made it difficult to have conversations in their homes, watch the tv and go to bed at a reasonable time.  The vibrations form the bass in the Sunset Bar was so bad it shook their windows.

The applicants highlighted the many activities and issues that had occurred on the terrace outside the premises, such as, shouting, singing, and fighting.

Being a grade 2 listed (built in 1816) it was very hard to soundproof.  The relationship between the bar owner and residents had become strained due to the bar staff’s refusal to turn the music down and the profound impact of noise was affecting the mental and physical health of residents. Other issues highlighted were the unsafe nature of the area due to alcohol consumption and drug use which fuelled fights close to a popular bus stop which young children used and the general impact on holiday makers and locals. The applicants urged the committee to revoke the license and suggested that opening and closing hours were adjusted to 9am -8pm

The committee was made aware that Environmental Protection Officers had visited the premises and agreed a suitable noise level, however the situation had not improved. 

Those present were given the opportunity to put questions to the applicants.

The Environmental Protection Team Leader was given the opportunity to present their case.

The Environmental Protection Team Leader elaborated on their visits to the premises, where patrons had been outside at 10 at night.  High noise levels had made it impossible to have conversation with members of staff. The officers had taken basic noise readings, which were at 98 decibels on the dance floor. The sub- committee was informed that at these levels induced hearing loss could occur, 86 decibels were considered a normal level for a dance floor and would reduce disturbance and encourage patrons to move inside A tamper proof noise limiter could be considered and put together by an Environmental Protection officer.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Environmental Protection Team Leader.

Dorset Police were given the opportunity to present their case.

It was suggested that it was very unusual that residents submit their own review. The importance of this issue was addressed, and the police enforced that they supported the applicant’s case.

The sub-committee was informed that Environmental Protection Officers had brought this matter to the attention of the police and had provided the information and incidents linked to Sunset Bar, Weymouth, and their concerns with drug activity.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

Proposed by Cllr Sarah Williams, seconded by Cllr Mike Barron.

Decision: That the press and the public be excluded for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Decision: To REVOKE the Premises Licence

10:00-12:26