Agenda item

To consider a new premises application for Virtual Golf Fairways in Gillingham following the receipt of a representation during the consultation period.

Discussion:

The Licensing Officer informed the Panel that the applicant had applied for a new Premises Licence at Virtual Golf Fairways, Unit 1 X1 Chatham Waters, Gillingham Gate Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4RS. All responsible authorities had been consulted in line with the Licensing Act 2003, and a representation had been received from a member of the public and no representations had been received from the responsible authorities.

The new premises licence application was for the sale by retail of alcohol (on site only) Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 23:00 and Sunday 09:00 to 21:00.

The Panel were informed that emails between the member of public and applicant were included at appendix C. In addition to this the Panel agreed to consider a further email sent from the applicant to the member of public on 11 August, which was shared with Licensing on 17 August 2026.

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

The Panel were informed that the business was primarily an indoor golf simulator and leisure venue with a maximum capacity of 30 people who will attend for pre-booked golf sessions. The application included proportionate and appropriate measures to promote the licensing objectives including CCTV, Challenge 25, staff training, procedures to deal with intoxicated customers and customer management measures to minimise noise and disturbance.

The Panel were informed that constructive engagement had taken place with the member of public that had made a representation and that their concerns regarding noise, opening hours and the management of customers arriving and leaving had been responded to. There would not be any live music or DJ’s and any background music would be kept at an appropriate level.

The Chairperson noted the written objection that had been included at Appendix B to the report and that the objector was not in attendance.

The Panel queried who would be onsite to manage the premises, why they wanted to be licensed from 08:00 and how the premises would work in practice.

The applicant and representative explained that the applicant would be the manager on site the majority of the time and there would always be a senior member of staff present. The application was from 08:00 so that all guests would be able to have the same experience, and they did not anticipate many people drinking alcohol in the morning. Customers would attend for pre-booked hour long sessions and would not walk in like a bar or restaurant. Members would be able to bring one guest at an extra cost and would have to provide the name, address and contact details for the guest.

The Panel queried how staff would deal with nuisance or intoxicated customers and deny service if needed. The Panel were informed that all staff would be trained in dealing with intoxicated customers and refusing service and early intervention would take place if there appeared to be any issues. The premises would not sell shots, cocktails or have alcohol promotions. The booking system would mean the premises would know who would be attending in advance and Challenge 25 would also be in use. Staff would be monitored to ensure that standards were consistent, and refresher training would take place every six months.

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 had carefully considered the papers before them and has heard from the applicant and their representative. The Panel has considered the objection to the licence being granted and understands the concerns that have been raised particularly in light of the recent incident that they mention in the area.

Having questioned the applicant the Panel were satisfied that the applicant had the licensing objectives in mind and that they were taking steps to ensure that these are met. The licence contains appropriate conditions to ensure that the objectives were met. The Panel therefore grants the application for a new premises licence in respect of Virtual Golf Fairways, Unit 1 X1 Chatham Waters, Gillingham Gate Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4RS.