Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Councillor Simon Carswell was appointed.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

There were none.

The Licensing Sub-Committee noted the procedure to be followed when considering licensing applications under the licensing act 2003. The chair introduced the members of the sub-committee and the officers present at the hearing.

The chair confirmed that the officer’s report relating to the case, the procedure to be adopted during the hearing and the documents which the authority was required to provide under the regulations had been received by all parties in advance of the meeting.

To authorise the Chair of the meeting to agree the accuracy and sign the minutes as a correct record following circulation to the members of the Sub-Committee.

It was noted that the Chair of the meeting has authority to agree the accuracy and sign the minutes as a correct record following circulation to the members of the Sub-Committee.

To consider objection notices given in respect of an application for the variation of a premises licence for the Alhampton Inn, Alhampton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6PY.

On the evidence before it, having considered all the circumstances, the Sub-Committee grants the application for the variation to the Premises Licence as applied for together with the conditions that the Applicant has agreed with the Police as set out in Appendix 8 of the agenda papers.

The Senior Licensing and Business Support Officer introduced his report in respect of Alhampton Inn, Alhampton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6PY highlighting:

·     The reason for the application for the variation of the license was to create an external bar immediately adjoining the rear of the existing premises for the sale by retail of alcohol and to take food orders for customers using the decking and lawns that surrounded the premise. This proposal was to alleviate congestion at the only bar within the premises which was small and would generally improve public safety and the customer experience.

·     There were no changes to the current licensable hours and the current license sought.

·     The Alhampton Inn closed in November 2022 as a commercial premises. In 2023 a small group of residents set up a Community Benefits Society and raised £120,000 from 130 shareholders to take on a 15-year lease for the pub.

·     Alhampton was a small village of 70 houses and about two thirds of the residents were shareholders and used the pub regularly, it was a traditional wet pub and there was no other premises or shop in the village. The business was broadly breaking even financially and needed to be able to make better use of its assets to ensure its long-term survival.

·     A representation had been received from one Other Persons against this application in relation to Prevention of Public Nuisance Licensing Objective.

·     9 letters/emails of support for the application were received, 25 of which were a signed template letter and 5 of the emails were submitted by members of the Management Committee, who, therefore, should be considered as the applicant.

·     No representations were made by any Responsible Authority, but the Police requested some conditions to be added to the license which were agreed to by the applicant. These could be found at Appendix 8 to the agenda papers.

The Applicant then presented their case and highlighted: 

·     That the bar had existed for over 200 years.

·     That the bar had won various awards such as the Prince of Wales Award for Community initiatives for representing a rescue project in a rural village with no other amenities.

·     Additional areas for selling alcohol were required to alleviate congestion at the existing small bar. 

·     There was no intention to change the way that the premises are used but in order for the premises to be economically sustainable, the premises needed to be utilised to the best of its ability. 

·     Customers already used the external area for drinking and for various events held at the premises throughout the year, such as whole village festive occasions to a group of a few people. 

·     The additional provision would better serve those customers but would not intensify the amount of people using the premises in any way or increase noise from the premises. 

·     Despite historic problems under previous ownership, there were no complaints on record under the new ownership.

·     There were many neighbours who gave their support to the proposals.

·     The Other Persons who have objected were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.