To consider a new premises licence for Sweet Hill Farm.
Minutes:
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.
Supporting documents: