The Sub-Committee will elect a Chairman for the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Casey, seconded by Councillor A Cossens and:-

RESOLVED that Councillor Wiggins be elected as Chairman for the meeting.

The Committee is asked to note any apologies for absence and substitutions received from Members.

There were no apologies or substitutions on this occasion.

To confirm and sign as a correct record, the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee, held on Monday, 25 November 2024.

Amendments to Minute 36, that the spelling errors should be changed to:

“James Folger” and “50 metres”.

It was moved by Councillor Wiggins, seconded by Councillor A Cossens and:-

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on Monday, 25 November 2024, be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman, subject to the amendments detailed above being made.

Councillors are invited to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registerable Interests of Non-Registerable Interests, and the nature of it, in relation to any item on the agenda.

Councillor Wiggins declared for the public record that she held a personal licence, but that it had no bearing on her capacity to be a member of this Sub-Committee.

To inform Members that an application has been received for the Grant of a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 from Parkeston Railway Club 2024 Community Interest Company to sell alcohol on and off the premises and provide various licensable activities at Parkeston Railway Club 2024, Hamilton Street, Parkeston, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4PQ and further that an objection to the proposed licensable activities has been received from a member of the public.

The Sub-Committee heard from the Licensing Manager that the application was made under the Licensing Act 2003 for a Premises Licence to include the Sale of Alcohol on and off the premises, Boxing/Wrestling, Performance of Dance, Exhibition of Films, Indoor Sporting Events, Performance of Live Music, Performance of Recorded Music, Performance of Plays, and Other Entertainment falling within the Act.

Members were told that the applicant had described Parkeston Railway Club 2024 as a multi-function community centre consisting of a main hall with capacity for 200 with a bar. Also, there was an adjacent bar and seating area, toilets and café. There was a car park attached to the building.

The Sub-Committee was made aware that the applicants were proposing to open to the public on the following days/hours:

Monday           1230 – 2300

Tuesday          1230 – 2300

Wednesday     1230 – 0000

Thursday         1230 – 2300

Friday              1230 – 0100

Saturday         1200 – 0100

Sunday            1300 – 2300

The Sub-Committee was informed that the applicant had outlined steps in the application to promote the four licensing objectives. A summary of the application was attached as Appendix A of the Officer report.

Members were told that Essex Police made a request for 18 conditions to be added to the licence in order to satisfy the licensing objectives. These were agreed by the applicant during the consultation period and were made available as part of the report.

The Licensing Manager then informed the Committee that all responsible authorities had been consulted with as procedure and Essex Fire Service had replied no objections following the application.

One representation had been received by a member of the public which was attached to the report as an appendix. The Licensing Manager outlined the grounds of the objection and informed the Sub-Committee that they should not be taking into account the comments made regarding the premises ownership as this is not relevant under the Licensing Act 2003 legislation.

Members were informed that the applicant had served the application and notices correctly in accordance with the act.

The Licensing Manager confirmed to the Sub-Committee that although Essex Fire Service had not made representation, they have been made aware of fire safety concerns and have asked that if the licence is granted today, that a fire inspection is carried out prior to the premises opening for licensable activities.

Members were reminded that each application must be considered in its own rights and on its own merits only on how it might impact the four licensing objectives, which are the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, public safety; and protection of children from harm.

Sarah Stertz, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Gordon Ashford, Essex Police (Licensing), spoke on behalf of the application.

Eric Bramhill, the objector, spoke against the application.