To consider an application for a grant of a premise licence in respect of Hereford Rugby Football Club, Wyeside, Belvedere Lane, Hereford. HR4 0PH under the Licensing Act 2003.

Members of the licensing sub-committee from the council’s planning and regulatory committee considered the above application, full details of which appeared before the Members in their agenda, the supplement published on 14 June 2021 and the background papers.

The technical licensing officer presented the report.

Before the sub-committee heard from the members of the public who had made representations, it was confirmed that there was no longer a cumulative impact zone policy contained within Herefordshire Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2020/2025.  The previous policy had contained one but had not covered this area.   This application would have to be considered on its own merits and the proximity of other premises with licences could not be taken into account.

The sub-committee heard from the public representations who highlighted the following:

·         Due to the location of the apartment block, they looked onto the rugby ground and the club was approx. 200 yards away.  It was a peaceable location.

·         The sporting activities were enjoyed and they wished it to remain a nice club and not become a pub/club.

·         With the club windows open, the noise would be intolerable as most of the residents were older. 

·         Traffic in and out of the club would cause a nuisance.

·         There was a concern about an increase in crime and disorder if the licence was granted.

·         They had not reported previous incidents as they wished to be good neighbours.

·         West Mercia Police had previously closed down one of the events at the club because there had been a suspected rape.

·         There had been an incident with naked men running across the rugby pitches.

·         The police had interviewed everyone at the club as they had been carrying out a drugs investigation.

·         It was suggested that a site visit took place so that the members of the sub-committee had an understanding of the issues.

·         When there were ticketed events, people try to access the event through residents’ property.   When these people were challenged, residents were threatened with physical abuse.

·         When dinner parties were held, it was a different dynamic as attendees tended to be older.

·         They had always had a good relationship with the club and the club relied them to keep an eye on the grounds.

·         One public speaker lived on the ground floor so they would endure more disturbance.

Following a query from a member of the sub-committee, it was confirmed that the applicant had not reached out to the residents of the apartment block directly.

The sub-committee then heard from the applicant’s agent who highlighted:

·         The history and background to the Rugby Club which included the fact that it was a registered club where members could bring guests.

·         Matches were normally played on a Saturday afternoon

·         The club was very much part of the community and the stated objectives were to strengthen the bonds between the club and the local area.

·         Details of local events the club had recently hosted were outlined

·         The application for a premises licence had been made to replace an existing club licence.

·         The licensable area was confined to the club house and not the grounds.

·         Regulated entertainment had previously been authorised under Temporary Event Notices (TENS).

·         The club was run by and for the benefit of its members and needed to be on the soundest financial footing possible.

·         The club wishes to hire the premises to people other than its members which they currently cannot do under the club licence.

·         There had been no representations from responsible authorities.

·         There had been consultation with environmental protection prior to submitting the application.

·         The application was for a new licence to replace a club premises licence and was not a variation.   The licence would negate the need for TENS

·         There would be a right to review the licence if there was nuisance.

·         The club manager would be unchanged and would be the designated premises supervisor which was not required under a club licence.

·         There was anecdotal evidence of raucous behaviour but that the sub-committee needed to take decision based on evidence.   There may also have been instances where persons unconnected to the club had used the grounds.  

·         The club manager takes all incidents seriously and the chairperson of the club also took them seriously.  There was encouragement to contact them if there were issues so that they could be resolved.

·         The club did value their neighbours.

·         The club would not turn into a late night pub.

Following a query from a member of the sub-committee, it was confirmed that the applicant agent’s did not know who would be upset by an application until it was advertised.   Letters had not been sent out to all residents.

After a private discussion, the sub-committee agreed to adjourn to allow for a site visit to take place on 6 August 2021 at 4.00 pm.  This application would then be heard again on 17 August 2021 at 10.00 am.

The committee carefully considered all the representations, reports and evidence before them today. They have had regard to their duties under S4 of the Licensing Act and considered guidance issued under s182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and Herefordshire Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2020/2025.