Agenda item

To consider a new premises licence for Sweet Hill Farm.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application for a new Premises Licence for Sweet Hill Farm, Portland and the activities and times being applied for - which were to permit the sale of alcohol (on and off the premises) from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 1200 to 2300 and Sunday between the hours of 1200 to 1600.

The description of the premises within the application was that it was a small seasonal campsite, horsebox and kitchen set amongst the grounds where a campsite and licensed riding school was run. The Licencing Officer provided a description of the topography of the site, its characteristics and facilities and the site’s relationship with residential amenity.

Dorset Police had requested additional conditions to go on the licence if it was granted and the applicant had agreed to this - with staff being fully trained in their responsibilities with regard to the sale of alcohol and being retrained every as necessary; Cctv being operational and; public safety and child protection requirements being wholly complied with.

There had been two representations received from interested parties relating to nuisance from noise and anti-social behaviour. The Licencing Officer explained though that the application did not include live or recorded music, which, in any event, would not be licensable under the Live Music Act 2012. Should music be required at any stage, a TENS could be applied for, as necessary. Concerns raised over previous noise disturbance seemingly arising from the site had been now confirmed to have arisen from a site other than this one.

There were no questions from the sub-committee or the Applicant for the Licensing Team Leader.

The Applicant was invited to put their case forward explaining that the sale of alcohol was designed to complement and enhance the camping experience – as necessary - and was seen to be a low-key operation given those activities that were being promoted and on the basis of those anticipated to partake. The site attracted an outdoor, sporting and recreational family friendly clientele engaging in such activities in that regard. Concerns that the features of the application would be to the detriment of the Atlantic Academy School were allayed in that the campsite was to run principally through the school summer holidays and was intended to be seasonal in that regard, given that the site would not be so attractive in the winter months. However, whilst the site was ‘seasonal’ in practice - being open from February half term to the October half term - the premises licence applied for was for all year round to enable a wedding or other celebration outside of popular camping months to be accommodated.

The Sub-committee were invited to ask questions of the Applicant, these included:-

·        what sort of experience with licenced premises.

Answer - not as such, but had worked in the catering industry for a number of years so understood the requirements of this

·        what compliance arrangements would be put in place to meet Dorset Police conditions.

Answer - fully able to meet those conditions and would engage directly and actively with nearby residents on events taking place, as necessary.

·        How would the local community be engaged

Answer - it was in the applicant’s interest to accord with the community as they were an integral part of that and took their responsibilities and commitments seriously. Social media and on-site notices would serve to inform and educate key stakeholders and residents of what was happening and when, as well as how they could go about raising any issues, if necessary.  Moreover, there would be an invitation to the pupils of the Academy to join in see the activities available on site

All parties were given the opportunity to ask questions and sum up their case before the sub-committee retired to make their decision.