Issue - meetings

The Chairman summarised the procedure for the Sub-Committee hearing. All those present were introduced or introduced themselves.

The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer presented his report covering an application for a new premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. The Sub-Committee was advised that on 23 March 2021, a new application was received from the applicant on behalf of Silver Leys Polo Club, Millfield Lane, Bury Green, Little Hadham. The application sought permission for the supply of alcohol (for consumption on the premises), Sunday – Friday, 11:00 – 22:00 and Saturday, 11:00 – 23:00.

Members were advised that the applicant had proposed a number of steps that could be taken to promote the four licensing objectives, including, but not limited to, the maintenance of a logbook which would be made available for inspection, allowing adequate access for emergency vehicles, taking adequate fire safety measures, arranging delivery times so as not to create a nuisance for residents and reducing the volume of recorded music after 20:00.

The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer said that the report contained an error and he apologised for that – the applicant had agreed additional steps to promote the licensing objectives with Hertfordshire Constabulary, rather than Environmental Health. These measures included the use of a Challenge 25 policy.

Members were advised that two representations from interested parties had been received which engaged the prevention of public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives. The representations related to noise and concerns over drink driving.

The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer said that if the Sub-Committee believed that the licensing objectives would not be undermined then the application should be granted. Members were advised that if they believed that the application would not promote the four licensing objectives, they should take appropriate and proportionate action to address these concerns. The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer said that the Sub-Committee could attach conditions, limit the hours or restrict licensable activities. The application should only be refused as a last resort and the Members’ decision should be evidence based, justified, appropriate and proportionate.

The Chairman asked whether the reference to polycarbonate containers was a standard, recognised term. The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer confirmed that it was.

The applicant spoke to the application, briefly introducing the club itself. He said that the clientele were not just the upwardly mobile and the club was used by those who may not usually have been able to play polo. The club had operated largely unnoticed over the last 10-12 years and had successfully used Temporary Events Notices (TENs) previously when hosting tournaments.

The applicant said that he was familiar with a resident who had made representations. They had previously had concerns the club were breaching lockdown restrictions, which was found not to be the case, and some years before the clock at the clubhouse had been quietened at the  request of this resident. Although the use of a tannoy was not a licensing matter, this would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6