Resolved: That Cllr. Clack be appointed Chairman of the meeting.

There were none.

(Farningham, Horton Kirby & South Darenth)

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Licensing Sub-Committee gave consideration to the report by the Senior Licensing Officer giving details of an application for a new premises licence for The Chequers Inn, High Street, Farningham, under the Licensing Act 2003. She provided a brief overview of the application, explaining that during the consultation period 11 representations had been received from local residents and the Parish Council. Despite the fact that there appeared to have been local agreement with regard to reduced hours and/or activities, as this was not completely clear it had felt more appropriate to present all original representations and the original application to the Licensing Sub Committee for consideration, providing an opportunity for all parties to address the Licensing Sub-Committee regarding the issues.

The Applicant was in attendance with a representative. The Licensing Sub-Committee heard from the Applicant who summarised her application advising that she had 15 years’ experience within the trade and that it was a traditional country pub.  With regards to noise issues, she advised that she followed the conditions attached to the last licence. She kept doors shut and the windows were sealed and she did supervise performers leaving and loading equipment.

There were notices everywhere at exits requesting customers to leave the premises quietly.  There had been no issues with the Police.  She also advised that she would be happy to revert her application request to the previous premises licence hours and conditions issued in 2007, except with the addition of live sports.  She was happy to listen to neighbours and customers for a positive result.  She was always at the premises.  In October 2019 over 100 people had rejected the idea of closing the pub.

The Applicant responded to Members’ questions of clarification.  She advised that speaking with a Licensing Officer at the Council, the presentation of films had seemed a good idea as live bands were expensive and she wanted to offer something a little more for the customer experience.  It had been suggested in these talks that the films could be shown outside.  She further described the size of the garden and gazebo and the possible ways it could be rearranged.  She offered to withdraw her request for showing films and again reiterated she would be happy to revert to the same hours and conditions as the 2007 licence, except for the addition of live sports.

During the questions the Chairman clarified that due to deregulation, plays and live and recorded music could take place inside the premises if finished no later than 23:00hrs.

In response to questions as to whether she had had specific complaints, she advised that she had had discussions with the Parish Council, customers and neighbours.  Parking was an issue but there were other premises in the area and could not be solely attributed to her customers.  Parking was a general issue in the area.  She had asked the other public house whether she could use their car park.  Her phone number was clearly available  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.