Agenda item

To consider a new premises licence application for 129-131 High Street, Strood, Kent ME2 4TJ following the submission of representation during the consultation period.

Discussion:

The Chairperson asked those present to introduce themselves.

The Licensing Manager informed the Panel that the applicant had applied for a new Premises Licence at 129-131 High Street, Strood, Kent, ME2 4TJ which was located within the Strood stress area. All responsible authorities had been consulted in line with the Licensing Act 2003, and a representation had been received from the City of Rochester Society (‘the Society’) relating to two of the licensing objectives (the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance).

The Panel were informed that the applicant had already agreed additional conditions with Medway Trading Standards and Kent Police. The ward councillors for Strood North and Frindsbury had also submitted a representation, but this had been withdrawn following mediation and an amendment to the hours applied for as set out in appendix G.

For clarity the Licensing Manager explained that the amended proposed hours were set out in the report and conditions were set out in appendix H. The Panel were informed that the applicant and their representative originally planned to attend the hearing, but they were no longer available to attend and were happy for the hearing to take place in their absence.

The Chairperson invited the objector to speak in support of their objections.

Chris Webb explained that the objection had been made on behalf of the City of Rochester Society which covers Strood and a number of the society’s members live in Strood. Whilst it was acknowledged that agreements had been reached with Trading Standards and Kent Police, the Society still had some concerns and would have liked the opportunity to ask the applicant questions.

The Panel were informed that the Society were concerned that the terminal hour of 01:00 created potential for related increased crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour in the Strood stress area.

Chris Webb expressed disappointment at the applicant’s failure to attend as it did not allow for outstanding concerns to be addressed. The Society would have liked to query how the premises would operate on a day to day basis and whether the purpose of the premises was to operate as a nightclub.

The Society were concerned about the dispersal policy and how this would be managed in the early hours of the morning. Due to the concerns for a potential increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance the Society requested that if granted the terminal hour for all licensable activities should be 23:30.

The Panel asked Chris Webb if they were still concerned about dispersal and congestion after they had agreed conditions with the applicant. Chris Webb explained that he was surprised that Kent Police had agreed to a terminal hour of 01:00 given the location of the premises. The Panel were also informed of concerns with the migration of people from Rochester across the bridge into Strood High Street when leaving licensed premises.

The Panel queried why a terminal hour of 23:30 had been requested and were informed that the Society tried to give a balanced view which would support the empty building being bought back into use whilst minimising any potential negative impact.

The Panel queried whether more detail on the dispersal policy would provide comfort to the Society and were informed that it may provide some comfort but not much.

The Panel expressed disappointment that the applicant or a representative was not in attendance as the Panel had questions they would have liked to ask but were unable to do so. The Panel noted that they would prefer applicants or representatives to attend in person so that they were able to answer any relevant questions.

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With the exception of the Legal Representative and the Democratic Services Officer, all present, left the room during the Panel’s deliberations, returning to hear the Panel’s decision.

Decision:

The panel has carefully considered all the evidence before it, including the written reports, representation and application and decided to grant the premises licence with amendments to the hours as follows:

All licensable activities to be permitted until the terminal hour of 23:00 Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 Friday, Saturday and on the non-standard days requested (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, St Georges Day 23 April and Halloween 31 October).