To consider an application for a variation for a premises licence in respect of The Crown Inn, Lea, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7JZ 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, and the supplementary information published on 21 May 2025.

Prior to making its decision the Council’s Licensing Officer presented the report which outlined the options available to the Sub-Committee. No representations were received from the responsible authorities. One relevant representation was received from a member of the public that the licensing authority accepted as being relevant. The Licensing Officer summarised the application and provided an overview of the representation received.

The Sub-Committee heard from the Applicant’s representatives that:

·       The Garden Bar was a permanent part of the site and the pub building, the application was asking for it to operate within existing licenced hours.

·       The application would support the pub and customers by easing pressure on the main bar and providing faster service. It would also facilitate a pizza offering for customers.

·       The re-opening of the pub had been a success and good feedback had been received from local people.

·       The pub helped to bring visitors to the area and employed local people.

·       The pub took its licensing responsibilities seriously and would stick to conditions and work with neighbours.

·       To limit the impact on local residents the pub turned off the speakers in the outdoor area at 9:00 p.m. and closed the upper garden at 10:00 p.m. and customers outside were moved into the pub at 11:00 p.m. Signage had been displayed to encourage customers to leave quietly.

·       The pub operated an open-door policy and encouraged local residents to provide feedback.

·       The outdoor bar did not represent an expansion of the pub but was intended to provide a better service for customers and was a facility that a number of other venues offered.

·       The concerns raised regarding the application were understood however it was felt that closing at 10:00 p.m. was reasonable given that the outdoor seating area was used until 11:00 p.m.

·       In response to feedback, music and bass had been turned down and the music turned off at 10:00 p.m. and people were moved into the pub at 11:00 p.m.

·       A number of neighbours had visited the pub and provided positive feedback.

·       The application proposed more efficient service of customers and an enhancement of the guest experience.

Following questioning by the Sub-Committee it was confirmed that:

·       In response to a question it was confirmed that the pub had been in contact with the local objector to the application.

·       It was clarified that the noise from the fan from the kitchen could not be considered as it was relevant to alternative legislation.

The Sub-Committee carefully considered the representation, 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 grant the application as applied for.

REASONS

The Sub-Committee has fully considered the detailed report, application and written representation in the report pack, presented to the hearing by Senior Licensing Officer Emma Bowell. The committee has also taken into account the relevant policy and guidance.

The Sub-Committee has also heard the submissions presented at the hearing by representatives of the applicant, Ben Savidge and Tom Howarth.

No representations were received from the Responsible Authorities.

One (1) relevant representation was received from a member of the public.

The representation related to late opening hours of the garden bar during the week until 22:00hrs. The member of the public stated they have experienced levels of noise from customers in the garden.  The member of the public has indicated that they ideally would like no garden bar open during the week but will compromise to no outdoor music allowed Sunday to Thursday evenings.

The Sub-Committee noted the concerns relating to the potential for increased noise, disturbance and nuisance. However, it is disappointing that those making representations have not attended this hearing to assist the committee in making its decision.

The Sub-Committee has listened carefully to the representations and information supplied by the applicant and acknowledges the recent engagement with the community undertaken by the applicant to try to address any concerns members of the community have.

The Sub-Committee have weighed up the evidence very carefully and balanced each party’s position and the concerns raised and have reached the decision that the application should be granted.

The sub-committee would strongly advise that should the premises licence conditions not be complied with, that the residents inform the appropriate responsible authority, for example the Police, Environmental Health and Licensing Department as well as the other appropriate Responsible Authorities so that concerns are properly documented.