The Sub-Committee is requested to determine the application.
The following papers are attached.
(i) Licensing Manager's report.
(ii) Appendix A – Application to vary the premises licence.
(iii) Appendix B – Existing licence.
(iv) Appendix C – Map of the area.
(v) Appendix D – Representations from other parties.
The procedure to be followed by the Sub-Committee is attached to this agenda.
Minutes:
The Sub-Committee considered the variation of a premises licence for Fallow Fields Camping, Drainless Road, Eastry. The variation sought to include the provision for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises and incorporate a mobile bar. The hours requested were
Supply of Alcohol (for consumption ON and OFF the premises)
|
Every Day |
12.00 – 21.00 hrs |
On the basis of the representations of the applicants, their representatives and other persons, the Sub-Committee found the following facts to be established:
(i) The variation application was for the supply of alcohol on and off the premises from 12.00 – 21.00 hrs every day and the inclusion of a mobile bar at Fallow Fields Camping. The existing licence at the site permitted the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises every day from 08.00 – 20.00 hrs.
(ii) The Licensing Manager advised that there was an error in the report at paragraph 2.2 and clarified that the licence had been correctly advertised with the correct hours.
(iii) Fallow Fields Camping was a tent only , 7-acre, family campsite. and did not permit adult or single-sex groups. Planning permission permitted the site to operate from 1 April –to 30 September although generally the season was from May bank holiday to mid-September. The site had operated since 2018 with no problems or complaints.
(iv) There was capacity for 250 guests and due to the family nature of the site, there was quiet time from 22.30 hrs. The site was patrolled until midnight to ensure there was no disruption to campers or neighbouring residents and there was no amplified music at any time on the site. The campsite manager was an experienced hospitality manager with 10 years’ experience and an experienced Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
(v) The existing licence permitted the sale of alcohol from the campsite shop. The mobile bar would minimise the number of customers in and out of the shop and cut down on queuing. It was hoped the bar would add value to the site and the alcohol was locally sourced from Kent, except for one drink. All customers were residents of the campsite and were permitted to supply their own alcohol.
(vi) From 22 May to 3 July 2021 the mobile bar had operated under Temporary Event Notices (TEN) with no complaints made to the licensing authority.
(vii) There was a cinema on the campsite that was located within a safari tent. The cinema showed children’s films only and these were shown between 17.00 -19.00 hrs on Saturdays and also on Wednesdays during the school holidays.
(viii) There were five representations objecting to the application and were made under the licensing objective Prevention of Public Nuisance. The Licensing Manager advised at the Hearing that Michelle Brown had withdrawn her representation as she was satisfied the sale of alcohol would cease at 21.00 hrs. The remaining objectors were concerned there would be an increase in noise, litter, and potentially, anti-social behaviour and their representations were considered in full by the Sub-Committee.
(ix) An additional map was provided at the Hearing that showed the site boundaries and distance to the objectors’ properties. The two nearest properties were 430 metres from the mobile bar. It was noted that Michelle Brown, who had withdrawn her objection, lived in one of the closest properties to the bar.
(x) Mr Bradley responded to the objections. The site was for residents only and no visitors from outside were able to access the mobile bar thus there would be no additional traffic movements because of the licence. Reference to previous music events were not at Follow Fields. With regard to a child entering a neighbouring property it was explained that this was when the site first opened and was immediately rectified with the installation of a new fence. Thefts were not attributed to the site and Mr Bradley too had been victim to thefts.
(xi) Whilst some of the comments from the objectors cited the outside cinema in their representations it was noted that this was not part of the variation application and was already a licensed activity.
(xii) The Sub-Committee considered all the information before them from those present and the objections from those not in attendance. The Sub-Committee noted there were no representations made by any of the Responsible Authorities.
(xiii) The mobile bar, which was small, had operated under a TEN on several occasions and no complaints had been made. The site was well run and managed by an experienced DPS and campsite manager with patrolling of the site at night to maintain minimum noise.
(xiv) It was noted by the Sub-Committee that the application was seeking a reduction in the number of licensable hours and that the mobile bar was an additional facility for residents of the campsite only and there was no intention to create a site for outside events for non-residents.
In reaching its findings the Sub-Committee considered the following:
(i) Dover District Council’s Licensing Policy
(ii) The Licensing Act 2003 and the guidance given under Section 182 of the Act
(iii) Article 6 of the Human Rights Act
(iv) Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
RESOLVED: That the application for the variation of the premises licence at Fallow Fields Camping, Drainless Road, Eastry for the supply of alcohol on and off the premises and with the inclusion of a mobile bar be GRANTED as follows
Supply of Alcohol (ON and OFF the premises)
|
Every Day |
12.00 – 21.00 hrs |
(i) With the inclusion of the existing conditions and those offered as follows to be included in the operating schedule
(a) All ON sales (from the bar) are to be served in PET or plastic cups.
(b) All OFF sales (from the shop) are to be sold in sealed containers.
(c) Surrounding residents to be provided with a direct contact number in order to raise any concerns with the management of the premises.
(d) Staff will monitor the area to ensure no underage drinking is taking place on the site.
(e) Guests will not be allowed to purchase more than 2 drinks at a time without being accompanied by any other adults in their group who will be consuming them so that the staff are able to appropriately ID all parties.