Agenda and minutes

There were apologies from the objector (objector did not wish to attend the hearing but happy for it to continue.)

There were no declarations of interest. 

We received an application for a Premises License under the Licensing Act 2003 for Premier Inn (Proposed), Portal Road, Monmouth by Whitbread Group plc, Whitbread Court, Porz Avenue, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 5XE.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and introduced Members of the Sub Committee, Officers and representatives present.

The Principal Licensing Officer presented the key issues, which summarised:

• The application is for the sale of alcohol Monday – Sunday 10.00hrs -00.30hrs, and Late Night Refreshment Monday – Sunday 23.00hrs – 00.30hrs

·        The Live Music Act 2012 came into force in October 2012 which permits live music in on licensed and workplace premises for 200 persons, which was later amended to 500 persons under the Legislative Reform (Entertainment Licensing) Order 2014.

·        It further allows live music between 08.00hrs – 23.00hrs without the need for a licence.

·        The Legislative Reform (Entertainment Licensing) Order 2014 also permits recorded music for 500 persons between the 08.00hrs – 23.00hrs in on licensed premises without the requirement of a licence.

·        The applicant has not indicated they intend to have live or recorded music but this is an option they are allowed to take if they so wish without the need of a licence

• The applicant within the operating schedule has stated the following under the four licensing objectives, The Prevention of Crime & Disorder, Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance and The Protection Children from Harm.

No objection had been received from Police or Environmental Heath. Representation had been received from one resident, main concerns from the representation were:-

·         Potential to cause a nuisance from its customers during the early hours of the night for every night of the week

·         Increase in disturbance and calls to the police

·         Fear of reprisals from offenders of disturbance

Chair informed the meeting that the objector did not wish to attend the hearing.  However, the representation was presented.

Chair invited applicant to address the Sub Committee and we were presented with information that had been provided to the objector. The Solicitor for the applicant responded as follows:

·         This is an application for a Premier Inn, principally a hotel operation of which there are some 700 around the country, many in noise sensitive locations and all of which – without material exception – operate without difficulty or negative impact on their immediate vicinity.

·         Even if, which is not accepted, these premises were to be a source of noise or disturbance, those most affected would be the hotel residents themselves whose amenity is our clients’ paramount consideration and concern.

·         In any event our clients operating statement offers a condition that noise or disturbance shall not emanate from the premises so as to cause a nuisance to neighbouring property

·         Most materially there is only one representation to this application. It is particularly significant that the police who have a responsibility for preventing possible crime and disorder and general nuisance and Environmental Health (ditto in respect of noise nuisance) have raised no concerns.

The Members were invited to ask questions based on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.