To consider an application for a variation for a premises licence in respect of Radford’s Sports Bar, Hereford FC, Edgar Street, Hereford. HR4 9JU under the Licensing Act 2003.

Councillor Polly Andrews left the meeting room for the application below.

Councillor Peter Hamblin assumed a seat on the sub-committee for the application below as Councillor Andrew’s substitute.

Councillor Stef Simmons assumed the chair of the meeting for the application below.

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.

Prior to making their decision the Council’s Licensing Officer presented the report which outlined the options available to the sub-committee. A representation had been received from Environmental Health; the set of conditions proposed was accepted by the applicant. One relevant public representation had been received.

The sub-committee then heard from the applicant’s representative that:

·         The application was to enable a safe family-friendly space which would predominantly be used on match days and occasionally on other football family days in summer.

·         The space would be patrolled by marshals and police would be close at hand.

·         The club was community based and sought a family-friendly atmosphere.

·         The concerns of neighbours were acknowledged and the club sought to establish good relations with local residents. The club was disappointed with the objections received to the application and it sought to work with local objectors to address their issues. 

·         Signs had been placed around the ground asking people leaving to be respectful of local residents.

·         On match days plastic cups only were used by the football club.

·         The conditions proposed by Environmental Health had been accepted in full.

·         The club would work with staff to ensure they knew the conditions and could enforce them when required.

Following questioning by the sub committee it was confirmed that:

·         People would not be allowed to take drinks outdoors of the venue after 11:00 p.m.

·         The fan zone would only be used for football events and not be for private hire or use by people hiring facilities at the football club.

·         The club's own bar staff were used for all private hire functions.

There was an adjournment at 1:48 p.m.; the meeting reconvened at 2:00 p.m.

The sub-committee carefully considered all the representations, reports and evidence before them. 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. 

DECISION

The sub-committee’s decision is to approve the application as applied for with the additional conditions which were put forward by Environmental Health and agreed by the applicant, namely:

1.    No waste such as bottles or refuse shall be placed outside the premises between 2300hrs and 0730hrs the next day

2.    No live or recorded music in the Radford’s Sports Bar carpark after 2300hrs.

REASONS

The sub-committee had taken into account the written representations and the information presented to the sub-committee. The committee has recognised the concerns raised and the reasons why the representations were made.  The sub-committee consider that the application with the addition of the above mentioned conditions will promote the licensing objectives.

Councillor Polly Andrews resumed her seat on the sub-committee and resumed the chair of the meeting.

Councillor Peter Hamblin left the meeting.