Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies.

To elect a Chairman for the Sub-Committee.

Councillor L Kennedy was elected as Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

An application has been received for a new premises licence for Wembworthy Village Hall, The Village, Wembworthy, Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7QR.

Relevant representations have been received and the Licensing Authority (Mid Devon District Council) must hold a hearing to determine the application.    

An application had been submitted for a new premises licence for Wembworthy Village Hall, The Village, Wembworthy, Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7QR.

The Chairman introduced the Members of the Sub-Committee and officers present and explained the process for the Hearing.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Sub-Committee agreed that the meeting should be heard in public session and that there would be no time limit for speakers.

The Specialist (Licensing) Officer outlined the contents of the report as follows:-

·         The village hall had a typical layout, situated on the outskirts of Wembworthy Village and was set back about 30 metres off the road.

·         There was a grassed area immediately outside for picnic benches.

·         Temporary Event Notices (TENs) had previously been used to authorise licensable activities.

·         There had been 10 TENs in 2023 and 2 so far in 2024.  The applicant was the Premises User for 5 of the TENs in 2023 and had also submitted the 2 in 2024.

·         The Licensing Team did not find any details of complaints made about the premises on its systems for the above events.

·         The application was for the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for recorded and live music to be played indoors during the hours of 12.00-23.30.

·         The Responsible Authorities under the Licensing Action 2003 were notified of the application and none made representations.

·         The Licensing Team did receive a representation from a neighbour Mrs Ross who was unable to attend today.

·         An overview of the issues considered relevant were:-

(i)            The potential for disruption;

(ii)          The potential for noise;

(iii)         The potential for light pollution;

·         The Sub-Committee must have regard to any relevant representations. 

·         The Sub-Committee were reminded of their options in reaching a decision regarding the Application.  This included:-

(i)            To grant the licence as applied for;

(ii)          To grant the licence subject to appropriate modifications;

(iii)         To exclude from the scope of the licence any of the licensable activities to which the application relates;

(iv)         To refuse to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor;

(v)          To reject the application.

The applicant read from a statement he had prepared informing the Sub-Committee of the following:- 

·         The reason for the licence was to reduce the cost of applying for TENs and to create a vibrant community in a rural village.

·         It would be a large saving to the village hall as applying for TENs on a monthly basis would cost approximately £252 per year.  However a Premises Licence would only cost £70 per year.

·         It was an old village hall and maintenance was costly and endless.  Events with a bar often raised the most money and were easy to organise.

·         Since May 2023 the success of the social evenings had been fantastic and had not only raised much needed funds for the upkeep of the hall but was also a get together for all members of the community and to make new friends.

·         The customers were mindful of neighbours  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.