Issue - meetings

The Chairman summarised the procedure for the Sub-Committee hearing, and all those present introduced themselves. 

The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer presented his report covering an application for the variation of a premises licence for the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury Road, Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire, SG14 2LB.  The Sub-Committee was advised that this application was submitted on 18 May 2022 for the supply of alcohol on the premises during March through to October from an outside bar located in the patio area to the rear of the premises, Monday – Sunday from 12:00 - 22:30.

The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer listed the additional steps which the applicant had proposed in order to promote the four licencing objectives, and advised that these included modifications that had been agreed with Hertfordshire Constabulary, as detailed in Appendix B.

The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer said that seven valid representations had been received during the consultation period. Five of the representations objected to the application, raising concerns regarding public nuisance, crime and anticipated anti-social behaviour. Two representations supported the application, citing the premises as an asset to the village, with the outside bar being in keeping with its surroundings. There had been no representations from the responsible authorities.

Members were advised that if they believed that the application would not promote the four licencing objectives, they should take appropriate and proportionate action to address these concerns.

The Chairman asked the Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer for clarification of the hours for which the supply of alcohol had been requested (as at page 61).

The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer confirmed that the application sought the supply of alcohol Monday – Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30, and not from 12:00 to 10:30 as per the application. He said that this had been an error on the part of the applicant, who had inadvertently not used the 24 hour clock when completing the form. The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer said that Officers had liaised with the applicant regarding this matter, who had confirmed that the end time should read 22:30. The applicant confirmed these events, and said that the supply of alcohol was being sought Monday – Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30.

Councillor Goodeve said that, should the application be granted and the applicant not be given planning consent for the outside bar, would the applicant be able to serve alcohol from the outside space. The Senior Licencing and Enforcement Officer referred Members to the Officer’s observations section of the report regarding planning matters. He confirmed that should this be the scenario, the applicant could sell alcohol from the outside space.

The applicant told the hearing that they had been operating the White Horse Hotel for five years. He said that there was a demand for an outside bar, with many customers still hesitant to venture indoors due to Covid-19. The applicant said that the patio area of the premises was already very busy, often being full at weekends. He explained that the addition of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14