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.

The Chairman (Councillor Wiggins) adjourned the meeting at this time whilst the Sub-Committee retired to deliberate. The Litigation Lawyer (Sarah Opene) and Committee Services Officers (Bethany Jones & Katie Koppenaal) retired with the Sub-Committee for observatory reasons only.

After a 50-minute deliberation, the Sub-Committee resumed the meeting to ask further questions.

The Chairman (Councillor Wiggins) adjourned the meeting once more at this time whilst the Sub-Committee retired to deliberate. The Litigation Lawyer (Sarah Opene) and Committee Services Officers (Bethany Jones & Katie Koppenaal) retired with the Sub-Committee for observatory reasons only.

Upon resuming the meeting, the Chairman (Councillor Wiggins) read out a statement as follows:

“The Sub Committee has given careful consideration to this application.  In reaching our decision, we have taken into account the views expressed by the Applicant Sarah Stertz, the representations made by Mr Eric Bramhill, representation by Mr Gordon Ashford on behalf of Essex police along with the Guidance issued by the Secretary of State and other matters set out in the Licensing Authority's own Statement of Licensing Policy.

The decision of the Sub-Committee is to GRANT this application but subject to the below conditions namely:

• The premises licence holder shall produce a Fire Risk Assessment for the premises to Essex Fire and Rescue Service responsible for Licensing and the Licensing Authority before any licensable activity can be undertaken.

• Confirmation from Essex Fire and Rescue Service that an inspection of the premises has been undertaken and are satisfied that the premises is compliant.  Confirmation to be sent to the Licensing Authority from Essex Fire and Rescue Service before any licensable activity can be undertaken, the licence holder will be notified of this by the Licensing Authority.

• Fire Alarm Testing must be carried out weekly and a record kept on the premises and made available to authorised officers of the responsible authorities under the Licensing Act 2003 upon request.

The grant of the license is also subject to the eighteen mandatory conditions agreed     

between Essex Police and the Applicant. The Mandatory conditions are as seen on ages 21 – 23 of the agenda.

4. The sale of alcohol must cease by the end of the time stipulated below and being 30 minutes before the closing time:

     Monday: 12:30 -  22:30

     Tuesday: 12:30 – 22:30

     Wednesday: 12:30 – 22:30

     Thursday: 12:30 – 22:30

     Friday:  12:30 – 00:30

     Saturday: 12:00 – 00:30

     Sunday: 13:00 – 22:30

The hours proposed for the licensable activity on Sunday being 13:00 – 01:00 is hereby amended to 13:00 – 23:00 in line with the proposed opening hours for Sunday.

Finally, I must mention that all parties who are aggrieved by this decision of the Sub-Committee have the right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court.

This Decision was made today, 27 January 2025 and will be confirmed in writing to all parties.”