To consider an application for a new premises licence in respect of ‘The Royal Oak Hotel, South Street, Leominster, HR6 8JA.

The Regulatory Sub-Committee was convened in order to determine an application for a new licence in respect of 48 St Owen’s Street, Hereford. The application was submitted in accordance with Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Chairman introduced the Members and Officers and asked any interested parties to introduce themselves. The following attendees were noted:

·         Mr Stevens (Applicant)

·         Mr Backhouse (Applicant’s Legal Advisor)

·         Mrs Falcini (An interested party objecting to the application)

·         Mrs Mercer (An interested party objecting to the application)

·         Mrs Cornell (An interested party objecting to the application)

The Chairman advised all parties of the hearing procedures and asked if any person required an extension to the time allocated for making representations. None of the attendees felt that an increase to the 10 minute time allocated for making representations was required.

The Acting Regulatory Services Manager introduced the report and advised members that the application was for a new licence.

The Environmental Protection Manager advised Members that conditions had been agreed with the applicant. In response to a question he confirmed that the conditions did not require the applicant to keep all doors and windows closed but required them to monitor noise and take appropriate action if noise was emanating from the premises.

The Acting Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that the applicant had agreed to the conditions proposed by West Mercia Police.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, Mrs Falcini, Mrs Mercer, and Mrs Cornell, interested parties who had objected to the application, addressed the sub-committee. They raised a number of points, including:

·         Noise was a concern especially as local residents had young families

·         Noise from music played at the premises could clearly be heard inside some of the neighbouring dwellings.

·         Concerns were raised in respect of antisocial behaviour at the premises.

·         Some residents had been verbally abused by previous managers at the premises.

·         The times proposed for live music were not appropriate for a public house situated in a residential area.

·         Cars had been damaged by patrons leaving the premises.

·         Concerns relating to litter and broken glass were also raised.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, Mr Backhouse addressed the sub-committee in support of the application. He raised a number of points, including:

·         Mr Stevens would be the new DPS of the premises, he was also the DPS for Brockington Hall.

·         The premises would be operated as a hotel and function venue, not a town centre public house.

·         The applicant was happy to agree to all of the proposed conditions.

·         The applicant would also be a member of the Leominster Pub Watch scheme.

·         There had been problems at the premises in the past.

In response to questions raised by the local residents, the applicant confirmed that:

·         He had purchased a noise meter to measure noise emanating from the premises and this would be measured on all sides of the premises.

·         The main business of the hotel would be organized functions.

·         2 of the bedrooms were not in use due to concerns raised by the fire officer, this resulted in 21 rooms being available to guests at the hotel.

·         SIA registered door staff would be utilised on a risk assessment basis. If all function rooms were used the maximum number of door staff required would be 8.

The applicant added that he was keen to build a successful business at the Royal Oak and that he understood the importance of working closely with neighbouring residents. He noted the concerns raised and admitted that there had been problems at the premises in the past due to the behaviour and conduct of some previous managers. He added that this would no longer be an issue as he would personally be managing the business.

The Sub-Committee retired to make their decision. The Legal practice Manager and the Democratic Services Officer also retired to assist them with procedural matters.

RESOLVED

That the application for a new premises licence in respect of the Royal Oak Hotel be approved subject to the conditions detailed in the attached decision notice.