Resolved:  That Cllr. Raikes be appointed as the Chairman of the meeting.

There were no additional declarations of interest.

The Hearing gave consideration to a report by the Chief Officer Environmental and Operational Services giving details of an application for a review of the premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Ye old Crown, 74-76 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5AR on the grounds of the licensing objective the prevention of public nuisance.

The application was made by Dartford and Sevenoaks Environmental Health Partnership, on the grounds that complaints had been received in 2013 of amplified music. The landlord of Ye Old crown had been served with an abatement notice and complaints were now periodically since the serving of the notice. Informal steps had been implemented by relocating the music sets,  and keeping the doors and windows shut. On the 12 and 18 April 2014 an Officer went to the property where the noise could be heard and the noise was at an acceptable level. Due to this it was thought that the informal steps should be conditions on the licence.

In response to questions Mr. Chapman explained that soundproofing was not always the most effective option as it could not be quantified. The Ye old Crown was a historic building and soundproofing could end up being very costly. The noise limiter would be ineffective as it was an old building and should someone shout then the limiter would be set off. With the new proposed conditions 11.30 p.m. as set out in the original licence would still be acceptable.

Mr. Gouveia advised that he had put acoustic foam around the windows and does checks to ensure that they are kept shut. It was also better insulated now the music area had been moved. The only sound would be when the doors were opened for people leaving and entering.  Live music and DJ sets had been asked to reduce the sound levels.

At 2.25 p.m. the Hearing Members withdrew to consider the issues raised accompanied by the Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing for the purpose of providing advice only.

At 2.49 p.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing returned to the Council Chamber.

The Chairman advised the Hearing that the Sub-Committee had had regard to the Licensing Objectives, to the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. He also advised that the conditions were to prevent public nuisance.

It was unanimously,

Resolved: that the three additional conditions as set out below be added to the premises licence:

1)     All doors and windows shall be kept closed except for access and egress during the playing of live and recorded music.

2)     No live or recorded music shall be played within the outdoor areas of the premises.

3)     Live music or DJ sessions shall only take place in the area highlighted in the red as attached to this notice.