Agenda and minutes

There were apologies for absence received from Councillors K Mills and C D Zosseder.

It was noted that, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, Councillors N J Collor and P M Brivio were appointed as substitute members for Councillors K Mills and C D Zosseder respectively.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made by Members.

The Sub-Committee is requested to determine the application.

The following papers are attached.

(i)         Licensing Manager's report.

(ii)        Appendix A – Application and additional information provided by the applicant.

(iii)       Appendix B – Plan A

(iv)       Appendix C – Plan B

(v)        Appendix D – Plan C

(vi)       Appendix E – Map of the area where the premises is located

(vii)      Appendix F – Amendments to the operating schedule requested by the applicant following discussions with the police.

(viii)     Appendix G – Copies of representations.

The procedure to be followed by the Sub-Committee is attached to this agenda.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for the grant of a premises licence from Walmer Leisure Ltd in respect of Walmer Putting Green and Paddling Pool Refreshment Area, Marine Road, Walmer. The application was for the supply of alcohol (on and off the premises), every day from 10.00 - 22.00 hours.

On the basis of the representations of the applicant, their representative, their solicitor and Other Persons, the Sub-Committee found the following facts to be established:

(i)           The application was for a single premises licence for the supply of alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises) every day at Walmer Putting Green and Paddling Pool Refreshment Area, Marine Road, Walmer. Whilst this was a single premise licence application for the entire site, Plan B (appendix C of the agenda) showed the area for the proposed sale and consumption of alcohol within the paddling pool area and Plan C (appendix D of the agenda) showed the proposed area within the putting green and would be utilised when an event took place. The area in Plan C would cease to be licensed from 30 April 2022.

(ii)         The paddling pool and putting green were leased from Dover District Council by Michael Humphries of Walmer Family Leisure Ltd and who was the owner and operator of Manston Golf Centre. The putting green was due to be redeveloped in May 2022 to provide modern adventure golf on the site and hence the reason for the licence to cease in that area from 30 April 2022.

(iii)        During lease discussions with Dover District Council’s Property Services Mr Humphries said it was expected that catering facilities would be provided at the premises. It was the intention to serve soft drinks, snacks and a limited range of alcohol from kiosks in the paddling pool and putting green areas. The plans showed the area where alcohol would be sold and consumed whilst the putting green was in use (area shaded in pink on the plan) and the area where events would take place during the winter months, whilst the putting green was not in use (area shaded green on the plan). This area would be utilised for events, such as outdoor cinema events, food fayres and possibly as a skating rink.

(iv)        The Contentious and Regulatory Lawyer advised all parties that the details of the lease and the events at the premises was not for the consideration of the Sub-Committee.

(v)         Members discussed with the applicant and his solicitor the use of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for the proposed events on the putting green. The application process was thought by the applicant to be cumbersome, with 21 days’ notice and a fee required for each event. The premises licence was required for every-day consumption on the site in addition to the proposed events.

(vi)        During the consultation process 50 representations were received objecting to the application. Included in those representations were objections from Councillor D P Murphy and Councillor H M Williams. The Notice of Hearing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.