There were no declarations of any interests.

General procedure points and hearing procedure for the meeting (enclosed)

The Chair ensured that everyone present had sight of the procedure.

Report of the Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Community (enclosed)

The Sub Committee considered an application from Heapey and Wheelton Village Hall Committee made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the granting of a premises licence for the Heapey and Wheelton Village Hall, West View, Wheelton, Chorley PR6 8HJ. Members were asked to determine the application in light of a relevant representation that had been received.

The Lead Licensing and Enforcement Officer reported that a representation in support of the application had also been received from the local Parish Council but it was received outside of the deadline contained in Regulations and therefore could not  be taken into consideration.

The application was for regulated entertainment only and sought to regulate the entertainment provision applied for through proposed conditions included in the operating schedule of the application to promote the Licensing objectives.

The premises is situated at the heart of the village and is surrounded by a mix of residential dwellings, it has a long history as a village hall and previously as a school. The building currently offers a range of facilities and activities for locals and groups. The application sought to offer regulated activities that one would normally be expected to be provided at such a venue. It is understood the premises has likely benefited from a Public Entertainment Licence in the past, although the Council’s records did not extend sufficiently to establish this. Representatives of the Village Hall Committee bought along a copy of this licence to the meeting.

Mrs Patricia Dickenson and Mrs Kim Wisdom (acting Chairperson) spoke on behalf of the Village Hall Committee and highlighted what provisions would be undertaken to ensure compliance with the licensing objectives. In response to Members’ questions they also outlined the type of events that took place at the village hall. This consisted mainly of private parties (normally for children). The Applicant claimed that last year they had served 30 temporary event notices or events, only two had finished at 9.30pm and one at 11:00pm.  The hall also had a policy of no 18year old parties and only people over the age of 21 could book the premises.

The Council had received one representation from an objector that raised issues that public safety would be compromised. The Objector attended the meeting to give their representations and to answer questions of the Sub Committee. The Objector lives next door next to the Village Hall and was concerned about the length of the opening hours that had been applied for. Although, Mr Melrose referred to a planning condition regarding the opening times of the Hall in his representation, the Council’s Legal Officer reminded Members that this was not something that could be considered as part of the licensing process. Although there was only one objector to the application, Members noted the proximity to the venue.

The Sub Committee carefully considered the applicant’s written and verbal representations and the written and verbal representations from the objector. The Sub Committee also had regard to the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.LAS.50