Agenda and minutes

DETAILS OF DECISION TAKEN AND REASONS THEREFORE:

In arriving at its decision, the Sub-Committee took into account the relevant representations submitted both in writing and orally at the hearing. The Sub-Committee was also made aware that the following were relevant:

            Guildford Borough Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy

·         Section 5 – paragraphs 5.1 to 5.17: Fundamental Principles

·         Section 8 – paragraphs 8.1 to 8.12: Temporary Event Notices

·         Section 11 – paragraphs 11.1 to 11.6: Licensing Objective – (3) prevention of nuisance

National Guidance Issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003:

·         Paragraphs 2.18 to 2.24 – Public Nuisance

·         Paragraphs 7.1 to 7.37 – Temporary Event Notices

The Sub-Committee was informed that Ockfest was sited in an area characterised by a mix of residential and rural properties.  The Temporary Event Notice (TEN) had been amended to clarify that a maximum of 499 attendees was permitted.  The Sub-Committee was advised that they could not apply conditions to the TEN.  After consideration of the objection notice from Environmental Health, together with the submissions made at the hearing, they had to determine whether it was appropriate for the promotion of the prevention of public nuisance objective to give a counter notice, which would prevent the event from going ahead. 

The Environmental Health Officer requested clarification as to whether there was flexibility for the applicant to withdraw the TEN and re-submit with different operating times.  The Licensing Compliance Officer confirmed that it was possible for the applicant to submit a new TEN.

The Sub-Committee considered the following submissions made by the applicant:

·         He wanted to host a local produce festival;

·         ambient background music would be played during the day;

·         local organisations and charities had all expressed an interest in being involved;

·         all equipment had been hired for a period of 12 hours;

·         he was trying to secure Simply Red to play the festival as well as a local band from Cobham.

The Sub-Committee requested clarification on how two very different events such as a produce market during the day and a large music event in the evening would be effectively managed.  How would the applicant ensure that no more than 499 persons entered the site?  The applicant confirmed that it would not be advertised that Simply Red were playing.  All attendees had to have a ticket before entrance to the site was permitted.  No tickets would be sold on the door. In addition, a seven-foot security fence would be installed around the entire site.  In addition, a team of 10-20 people from G4S Security would patrol the perimeter fence at all times during the event to stop people entering the site without a ticket.

The Sub-Committee also queried the fact that whilst the equipment needed for the event could be hired for a total of twelve hours, would it necessarily be required until midnight.  The applicant confirmed that he had initially requested midnight as the finish time, however he did not want the festival to run until midnight  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.