Agenda and minutes

None.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

None.

Report of the Director of Planning and Development attached.

Presentation of Committee Report

Justin Abbotts, Licensing Officer took the panel through the contents of the committee report. He confirmed to the panel that all the notice and procedural requirements had been adhered to. 

The applicant, Leyland Warriors Rugby Club, submitted new premises application on 6 June 2023 pursuant to Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003.  As relevant objections had been received from residents, it was necessary for a Licensing Panel hearing to be held. 

The Licensing Officer explained that the applicant had applied for a licence for the following:

Opening hours

Wed – Fri 17:00 – 22:30

Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00

Supply of alcohol (on and off Sales)

Wed – Fri 17:00 – 22:00

Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00

The application and plan were attached to the report as background document 1.

The Licensing Officer stated that no representations had been received from responsible authorities, however three representations had been received from local residents which were detailed at Appendices 1 - 3 in the report. The representations raised issues in relation to the following licensing objectives:

•           The prevention of crime and disorder.

•           The prevention of public nuisance.

The Licensing Officer referred to the relevant policy and guidance which could be found at paragraphs 18 – 19 of the committee report. The report also outlined the options available to the Panel as stipulated by section 18 of the Act, these being;

•        To grant the licence subject to any conditions the Licensing Authority considers appropriate for the promotion of the Licensing Objectives.

•        To exclude from the scope of the licence any licensable activities to which the application relates

•        To refuse to specify a person in the licence as the designated premises supervisor;  or 

•        To reject the application.

Presentation of the Applicant’s Case

As per the hearing procedure Craig Hogan-Farnworth presented the applicant’s case. 

Mr Hogan-Farnworth outlined the purpose of Leyland Warriors Rugby Club, as an inclusive club, coaching rugby league from aged four through to 67 years.  The club had been through difficult times during Covid, and had lost a number of players.  Rising energy costs were also an issue.   

This caused funding issues as members paid a membership fee.  The purpose of the licence was to sell alcohol as an income stream.  Members, and their guests, would be eligible to use the bar and this would be open around training and match times - part of the social element of the club.  It was not anticipated that the bar would be open until 10pm – this had been requested to enable flexibility.    

The club had run a number of fundraising events with a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) without issue.  The majority of the members drove to the club, so this provision was social, rather than any other. 

Members queried the basis of membership of the club and noted that if guests were not able to use the facilities this would exclude away players and supporters. 

Following a query from members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.