The Sub-Committee is requested to determine the application.
The following papers are attached.
(i) Licensing Manager's report.
(ii) Appendix A – Application and Plan
(iii) Appendix B – Map of the area
(iv) Appendix C – Copy of representation
The procedure to be followed by the Sub-Committee is attached to this agenda.
Minutes:
The Sub-Committee considered an application for the grant of a premises licence in respect of White Mills Wake and Aqua Park, Ash Road, Sandwich. The application was for:
Supply of Alcohol (for consumption ON and OFF the premises)
|
Every Day |
11:00 – 23:00 hrs |
The following documentary evidence and/or other information was taken into account by the Sub-Committee:
(i) The Licensing Manager’s report including, the options available to the Sub-Committee
(ii) Application and plan from White Mills Wake and Aqua Park Limited for the grant of a premises licence (Appendix A of the agenda)
(iii) Map of the area (Appendix B of the agenda)
(iv) Representation from Other Persons (Appendix C of the agenda)
On the basis of the representations of the applicant, their representative and Other Person, the Sub-Committee found the following facts to be established.
(i) The application from White Mills Wake and Aqua Park Limited, represented at the hearing by James Bird (owner and Designated Premises Supervisor) and Wayne Cooper (owner), was for the grant of a premises licence at White Mills Wake and Aqua Park, Ash Road, Sandwich. The application sought on and off sales of alcohol for customers every day from 11:00 – 23:00 hrs.
(ii) The premises was a purpose-built wake and aqua park resort with a single storey café/restaurant. The applicant wished to provide wines, beers and cider alongside their food offering.
(iii) During the consultation process one representation objecting to the application was received from Other Persons citing the licensing objective of ‘Public Nuisance’ as being undermined. The Sub-Committee had regard to the written representation. Richard George’s written representation clarified he did not object to the licence application but the period of 11:00 – 23:00 hrs, he believed this should be 12 noon – 20:00 hrs.
(iv) There were no representations made by any of the Responsible Authorities.
(v) The applicant explained that proposals for the site had been through the planning regime and work had commenced on site in January this year. It was said the site was to be fun for all ages (6+) including opportunities for team building, parties, family and friends. On the lake there was a 5* state of the art cable system and the site would also offer wake boarding. Due to open on 9 July 2022.
(vi) The business would be managed by James Bird (also the Designated Premises Supervisor) and Wayne Cooper. Their wives and families would also be part of the business, with James Bird’s wife being a personal licence holder. With regard to alcohol, staff would be fully trained (and record maintained, these would be available for inspection). It was stated the Challenge 25 was in place and no proof would mean no sale.
(vii) The Sub-Committee heard that the aim was to be a popular venue for visitors to enjoy the park and restaurant and also for the business to contribute to the local economy. It was stated there was the potential for 40 covers in the restaurant and some additional covers outside although, this would be wearther dependant. As to experience, those managing the business relayed some previous experience but acknowledged this was a bigger scale.
(viii) It was stated this venue was not intended to be a public house, this was a venue for families and visitors and the business hoped to be able to offer a meal complemented with alcohol to provide a complete service for their customers. It was hoped that the people who would come to the café/restaurant might be for example, cyclists or those who were watching participants of the various activities as well as the participants themselves.
(ix) It was said that the average time for activities to finish in the summer months was approximately 21:00 hrs therefore that was why the application for a premises licence was requested until 23:00 hrs so that their visitors could relax and enjoy their meal and alcohol after their activity. The Sub-Committee sought the applicant’s view as to licensable hours being from 12 noon, this was agreeable with the applicant.
(x) The Licensing Sub-Committee was told about the policies that would be in place to promote the licensing objectives and how particularly, in light of the representation, dispersal would be managed. It was said that staff would ensure that visitors leave the premises quietly. CCTV had been installed both at the counter and externally and there would be signs being displayed to remind people to leave quietly. It was explained that the business had a dispersal policy ready to be put in place and this would cover factors such as: customers leaving responsibly with staff presence, having last orders, managing large groups and ensuring they do not leave together, reminding people to leave quietly and also meeting with local residents and businesses. The applicant expressed that they want to be part of the local community for all to enjoy.
(xi) It was queried with the applicant how large groups would be managed. The applicant stated that staff would be outside to manage dispersal.
In reaching its findings the Sub-Committee had taken into account the following:
(i) Dover District Council’s Licensing Policy
(ii) The Licensing Act 2003 and in particular the guidance given under Section 182 of the Act
(iii) Article 6 of the Human Rights Act (Right to a fair trial)
(iv) Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Duty to consider crime and disorder implications)
RESOLVED: That the application for a premises licence in respect of White Mills Wake and Aqua Park, Ash Road, Sandwich be GRANTED as follows:
(i) Supply of Alcohol (for consumption ON and OFF the premises
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Every Day |
12:00 – 23:00 hrs |
(ii) The operating schedule at pages 29 – 30 and 37 – 40 is accepted by the Sub-Committee.