To receive apologies for absence.

To receive any details of Members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the committee.

There were no substitutes present at the meeting.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Schedule 1, Schedule 2 or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

To consider an application for a grant of a premise licence in respect of Ross on Wye Rugby Club, Abbotts Close, Greytree, Ross-on-Wye. HR9 7GQ.

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 and the supplement which had been published on 29 November 2019.           

Prior to making their decision, the members heard from the principal licensing officer.

As notices of intention had not been received from all the public representations, the sub committee were asked to decide whether those who had made a relevant representation and were present at the meeting could speak. It was decided that all the public representations could speak in connection with their representation. 

The five members of the public who had made accepted relevant representations spoke and the following points were noted:

·         They were not necessarily against a licence being granted but it was the issue of a licence for the carrying out of licensable activities outdoors that was their concern arising from their experiences in relation to Olliefest which was a separate premises licence run from the rugby club grounds.    At Olliefest, there had been signs that the event was being controlled internally, however, when under 16s were being rejected, they were in the road drinking, being anti-social, and the paraphilia left behind was a danger to children.  

·         At the Olliefest event, the noise level was excessive and there was constant drumming and a bass beat from 1000 hrs until late at night with a firework display at the end.   

·         There was a concern that if the rugby club were granted a premises licence, that there would be outdoor music and events in the future which would cause disturbance to the residents

·         It was noted that Olliefest and the road safety concerns were not a matter for this sub-committee who could only look at the application for a premises licence for Ross on Wye Rugby Club.

·         Irrespective of where the responsibility sat, the events were held on the rugby pitch and the residents had to deal with the blind bend in the road and the noise from the events.

·         There were historical issues in relation to the relationship with the rugby club with residents.   One member of the public commented that in a pub environment, they did not appreciate being asked “How’s your house?” when there were issues with the lighting at the club illuminating his property.   The same resident was also told that they should go away for the three days of Olliefest.

·         One member of the public commented that after Olliefest there had been an event on the rugby pitches which had amplifiers playing music.   It was understand that this was a private birthday party. 

·         There was concern as to why the rugby club required a premises licence for seven days a week before 1000hrs and 2300hrs as during the day they had children coming to the club. 

·         The rugby club were blasé in their attitude to residents and the example of there only being parking for 25 vehicles and no provision for HGV parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.