Agenda item

The Sub-Committee to consider an application for a variation to the Club Certificate  of the Godalming Navy Club, Meadrow under section 84 of the Licensing Act 2003, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HY made by Adrian Price Solicitors on behalf of the Naval Club. Six relevant representations’ have been received from ‘other persons’.

The Committee received a report for a variation of certificate for the Naval Club, Meadrow, Godalming, GU7 3HY, where six objections had been received.

Two representatives were present to outline their proposals.  There were 8 neighbours of the club present to make representation of objections. There concerns were mainly in relation to anti-social behaviour and noise.

The applicant confirmed they were looking to extend their opening hours to 8am in the morning and extending by half an hour on a Friday and Saturday night.  This was more for when there were international sporting events on so they did not have to apply for TEN’s.

Concern was raised by the objectors that although the current management were not aiming to open from 8am to 11pm (12:30 on a Friday/Saturday) as a norm, if this application was agreed a future management could decide to do so.  Paul Hughes advised that it was possible to add a condition to the licence instead allowing the club to open for these type of events as an exception.  The applicant agreed to keep their current opening hours and licensable activities subject to the committee considering the suggested condition.

The objectors also raised concern about club members drinking and making noise outside the building late at night.  It was suggested this could be reduced by not allowing drinking outside after a certain time, thus reducing the attraction to stay outside.

Another issue raised was staff putting the glass into the recycling bin outside after closing and causing a nuisance with the noise.  The applicant agreed to address this with the staff.

Following the conclusion of questions the Sub-Committee withdrew at 11:04 to consider the application.  The Sub-Committee reconvened at 12:06 and the Council’s Solicitor confirmed they had been asked to advise the Sub-Committee during their deliberations on the wording of their decision which was as follows:

The Sub-Committee carefully considered the application for a variation to the club premises licence, taking into account the representation(s) received, statutory guidance and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy August 2018 to July 2023.

The Sub-Committee noted that there were no representations made from responsible authorities.  The Sub-Committee noted the concessions made by the applicants to address the concerns raised as part of the application process and had received the email dated 23 December 2019 (circulated to all parties)

During the discussions in the meeting the applicant agreed that the opening hours and licensable activities shall remain the same as the current licensing premises certificate, subject to the committee considering a condition for international sporting events to suit their purpose, and that all other conditions set out in the schedule shall be attached to the new licence.

The Sub-Committee noted the issues raised by nearby residents whom made representations and felt it was reasonable and proportionate to add the conditions set out below to address those concerns and to promote the licensing objectives.

The Sub- Committee agreed to the amended variation application subject to the following conditions:

•        In the event of the transmission of any international sporting event which falls outside the standard hours timing to commence 1 hour before the start of the event and to end 1 hour after the end of the event.

•        No drinks to be taken outside or consumed in the outside area of the site after 21:00hrs. (as hatched blue and purple on the revised plan)

•        No glass waste should be handled/disposed of outside between the hours of 21:30 and 08:00.

•        A direct telephone number for a responsible person at the premises shall be publically available at all times the premises is open. This telephone number is to be made available to residents in the vicinity.

The committee noted that regular litter picks will take place and no condition was required and that all events will be published on the website and international events widely known.

The Sub-Committee advised that parties have a right of appeal with the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of the decision being received in writing.