Agenda item

To consider a full variation to a club premises certificate application for Walderslade Working Men’s Club and Institute, 274 Walderslade Road, Chatham. ME5 0PA following the submission of representations, received during the consultation period.

The Chairperson explained the process that the hearing would follow as outlined on page 4 of the agenda and noted that the applicant had received a copy of the “Guidelines for Licensing Hearing Panels”.

The Assistant Licensing Manager informed the Panel that the applicant had applied for a Full Variation at Walderslade Working Men’s Club and Institute, 274 Walderslade Road Chatham ME5 0PA.  All responsible authorities had been consulted in line with the Licensing Act 2003 and representatives had been received from members of the public.

The current premises licence was:

Supply of Alcohol

Monday to Sunday 12:00 to 00:00

Non-standard times: New Years Eve 11:00 to New Years Day 24:00

The hours being applied for:

Supply of Alcohol

Friday to Sunday 10:30 to 01:00

The application also included the increase of the footprint of the licenced area of the premises to include the carpark.

The Chairperson invited the applicant to speak in support of their application and the applicant explained

Ms Brown, the applicant, explained that the premises had been and established part of the community for nearly 90 years. She was a responsible operator and committed to being a good member of the community. The club effectively managed noise disturbance, and all windows and doors were closed during live events and of these premises seriously. Notices had been installed reminding customers, when they left the premises, to be quiet and respectful of the local residents.

The applicant added that she did not believe the changes would affect parking or create congestion, she had discussed the proposed changes with the community. She had agreed to move the fish stall and install a 6ft fence to ensure privacy and create a smoking area which would stop patrons smoking outside the front of the premises.

The Chairperson asked the objectors if they had any questions for the applicant

Mr Le Mar stated that in discussion with the applicant it was indicated that the additional opening hours would be used for special occasions, he asked why the application had been made for increased hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ms Brown explained that it was not intended for the increased opening hours to be used all the time, later opening hours would be used during particular events such as sporting events but provided flexibility for the club. Earlier opening hours would be used to offer breakfast for patrons.

Mr Le Mar clarified that he did not object to the earlier morning opening hours, he asked why the applicant had chosen to request the beer garden remain open until 9pm instead of the 7pm discussed with the neighbours.

The Applicant stated that it would provide flexibility, but they have offered to build a fence to ensure privacy.

The Panel than asked the Applicant to confirm if they wanted to use the later opening all year round or for particular events. The Applicant confirmed that they wanted to use the later opening hours for particular events and to give the premises more flexibility, the applicant added that they currently ensured that customer were out of the premises by 11.40pm.

The objectors were then given the opportunity to express their concerns

Ms Szade stated that she supported the business, however she was concerned with parking, noise, music and patrons coming and going. She stated that she was close enough to see customers in the beer garden from her bedroom and was concerned the customers would be able to see her.

Mr Le Mar stated that establishments in a residential area would not be expected to have a license until 1am and the application was not well defined. He wanted a more specific application stating when the club would be open later. He added that there was noise when customers left the club late at night and there were occasions when customers would remain in the area for some time after the club has closed. The noise had affected his young family, one of whom had medical needs which could be exacerbated by noise.

He was pleased that the fish stall would be moved and a fence built, he would be happy with the beer garden opening until 7pm as initially discussed with the applicant but not the later 9pm closing time requested as he had children which went to bed earlier than this.

The applicant stated that the later beer garden hours would prevent customers from smoking outside the front of the club which had been an issue in the past. She added that the club had only received one noise complaint in her time at the club. Applicant 2 stated that there was soundproofing which reduced noise when live music was played, and windows and doors were closed.

The applicant was given the opportunity to ask the objector questions, they asked, if noise was an issue, why had no formal complaint been made. The objector stated that he had challenged the club at the time.

The Panel had no questions for the objectors.

In summing up, the objectors stated that they wanted to work with the premises, and were pleased that the fish stall would be moved and a 6ft fence installed. The application was in their view ill defined, and would be better served to have licenses for specific events. In relation to the beer garden, the later hours created difficulties in ensuring that their children were able to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

In summing up, the applicant highlighted that she worked with the local community and had made changes such as moving their fish stall and had agreed to build a 6ft fence. The premises was a family orientated place. The Applicant stated that there was a vetting system in place for members and membership could be removed or refused if customers created difficulties.

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:

On 26 May 2026, the Licensing Committee was convened to consider a full variation Licence application for Walderslade Working Men's Club and Institute, 274 Walderslade Road, Chatham ME5 0PA following the submission of representations, received during the consultation period.

The application was to amend the hours for Supply of Alcohol, the hours applied for were: Supply of Alcohol Friday to Sunday 10:30 to 01:00 and to increase the footprint of the premises license to include a beer garden.

When considering this application, the Panel has had regard to Medway Council Licensing Policy, the Licensing Act 2003, particularly the Licensing Objectives and Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Act, and relevant regulations.

The Licensing Committee listened carefully to all the written and oral representations from the applicant and the objectors to the application.

The Committee was satisfied this application upheld the four licensing objectives and has decided to grant the licence variation application for Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to 01:00, increase the hours on Sunday for the initial hours to begin from 10:30  and increase the premises licensable area.

A condition to be placed on the licence to state:

The outside area will be used for smoking only after 21:00.

The Committee determined that there was positive engagement by the premises with the local community. The Committee hoped this would continue. The Committee noted that the premises could apply for a temporary events notice for special occasions which did not fall on the Friday or Saturday. The Committee hoped the open dialogue between the premises and the neighbours continues in the future.