Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Panel is asked to consider an application for a new premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2023.

The Licensing and Appeals Committee, sitting as a Panel, was asked to consider an application for a new premises licence after the Licensing Department received three written representations objecting to the granting of the premises licence from local residents, all of which related to the prevention of public nuisance being created by noise. An objection was also received from Environmental Health and the Police. 

The Panel heard from the Licensing Officer, the Applicant, Kent Police, Environmental Protection and an interested party. 

The Applicant stated that the past year had been challenging for the hospitality sector both locally in Tonbridge and nationwide, with several venues closing and profitability being difficult.  After eleven months of operating, the business began recording a small profit, having previously incurred significant losses within its first year of operation, alongside a significant investment on refurbishment.  The business operated independently without significant financial backing and primarily sourced supplies from local vendors. The hourly sales data for the previous month indicated busy daytime operations, with an established café attracting various groups, approximately 70-80% of customers return.  Nevertheless, sustainability required diversification, in particular increased evening trade; currently, 77% of revenue was derived from daytime activities, to reach a sustainable operational model. 

The Applicant was therefore applying for an extension of alcohol and entertainment licence, primarily to allow earlier service starting at 9.00am and music during these times, which was unregulated.  Expanding evening operations, particularly on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, was necessary to support a new menu and service and additionally, late nights on Fridays and Saturdays would utilise unused space, such as the refurbished vault with a capacity of 60 people to create a separate area for private hire and events, which could support local artists and provide an event venue otherwise unavailable in Tonbridge and contribute to the area’s revitalisation. 

The Applicant explained that when the vault was open, there would be three SIAs present, one of whom would be assigned to the ground floor entrance to count patrons in and out.  For live band events, 60 tickets would be sold and during DJ nights, entry would follow a ‘one in, one out policy’.  The Panel challenged how the Applicant would ensure that the DJ was compliant, particularly following a previous noise incident, and were advised that following the incident, a sound limiter had been installed and the sound system would not exceed the permissible volume limits. 

The Panel challenged the need for off sales and were advised that this would enable customers to take drinks away during community events, furthermore, it would enable customers to meet the business’ minimum spend.

The Panel expressed concern regarding the 3.00am application and the potential disturbance to residents and were advised that although applied for, it was not anticipated that the venue would be operated until 3am every Friday and Saturday, but to hold a series of events.  Furthermore, the Police had not submitted any concerns since the premises had been operating until midnight and a number of conditions were proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item LAP 25/29

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information

There were no items considered in private.