The Sub-Committee were required to hear and determine an opposed application for a variation of the Club Premises Licence for Hereford Whitecross Club. The Chairman introduced the Sub-Committee and Officers and confirmed that all Members had received the background papers. He then asked any interested parties attending the hearing to make themselves known. Mr E White and Mr M White, the applicants, and Mrs Boulter and Mrs Spencer, two of the interested parties who had objected to the application advised the Chairman of their wish to address the Sub-Committee.

The Chairman asked all of the parties present if they required an extension to the 10 minute allocated time allowed for public speaking. The applicants felt that they may require longer than 10 minutes to address all areas of their application. The Chairman extended the time limit to 15 minutes for all parties.

The Licensing Officer presented her report to the Sub-Committee. She confirmed that a copy of the advertisement had been seen and it was acceptable. She also advised Members of an error in the report, she confirmed that the premises was to be open to the public from 0900 and not 1000.

The Environmental Health Officer confirmed that the applicant had agreed to all of the recommended conditions excluding the following condition:

“Music played at the premises shall be controlled and contained to ensure that any noise breakout from the premises is inaudible inside the nearest noise sensitive dwelling after 22:30 hours.”

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 Regulations for Hearings, Mrs Boulter and Mrs Spencer addressed the sub-committee. They voiced a number of concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in the area; car parking concerns; problems in contacting the environmental health department out of hours; and bottles being left in the premises car park. Mr E White and Mr M White both addressed the sub-committee in support of their application.

Members discussed the application and felt that it may be beneficial for the Whitecross Club to establish better links with neighbouring residents, they felt that this could be achieved through the introduction of regular meetings between the parties. They also felt that the introduction of better signage may encourage people to park sensibly and safely.

The Regulatory Sub-Committee withdrew from the meeting to make their decision. They requested that the Legal Advisor and Democratic Services Officer accompany them to offer procedural advice.

RESOLVED:

That the application for a variation to the premise licence in respect of Hereford Whitecross Club, Sollers Close, Hereford, HR4 0LX be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the attached decision notice.