Agenda item

To consider an application to vary the Premises Licence at the New Road Inn, 244 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 3HL.

The Panel considered the application to vary the Premises Licence issued in respect of the New Road Inn, 244 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 3HL.

The Licence Holder, Ms Melanie Talbot was in attendance and accompanied by the Designated Premises Supervisor, Mr Pierre Coulon. Mr Coulon advised that the application was actually to extend the opening hours of the premises on Friday and Saturday nights including the sale of alcohol from the currently permitted time of 00:30 to the later time of 01:30. The application had originally been for extended opening hours throughout the week, but Mr Coulon made it clear that he now wished only to apply for the extension on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mr Coulon suggested that in response to complaints from nearby residents about noise and nuisance in the vicinity and from within the premises, he had devised a number of measures designed to mitigate some of those issues. In particular, Mr Coulon added that he would close the windows of the premises on Elizabeth Street and lock the corner door adjoining Talbot Road and Elizabeth Street to reduce noise escaping the premises. In addition, the Designated Premises Supervisor advised that he intended to lock the rear smoking shelter at 11pm to reduce noise and disturbance along with closing the side door and stowing all associated furniture away by 10pm. It was also intended to operate electronic signage only between 12pm and 11pm. Mr Coulon suggested that the removal of a nearby phonebox had reduced anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the pub and claimed that in his opinion, customers were often not the cause of such behaviour.

In response to questions about the need for an extension of opening hours, Mr Coulon advised that it would afford the premises a degree of flexibility and allow for the use of a function room for wedding receptions and other events for longer periods given a number of requests it was claimed had been received from customers.

Mr Neil Randall, a local resident who lived close to the venue, was in attendance with another resident, Ms Jowita Rutkowski and both spoke in objection to the application as presented. First-hand accounts of various disturbances were provided and it was claimed that sleeplessness had been caused as a direct result of noise and nuisance in and around the New Road Inn. Anti-social behaviour was described in detail which included but was not limited to; urination, fighting, shouting, swearing and damage to vehicles. In addition, it was suggested that so-called ‘lock in’ events were held at the premises, keeping patrons on the premises after closing time.

Following questions about how smooth dispersal of patrons after closing time would be ensured if the application were granted, Mr Coulon advised that he believed most of his customers would not loiter and would either walk along Talbot Road towards bars in the town centre or proceed home upon leaving his establishment.

In summary, Mr Coulon suggested that he wished to make positive changes at the premises and would work with residents to ensure that further incidents would be minimised and the New Road Inn could continue to meet the needs of its customers.

Mr Randall and Ms Rutkowski appreciated the suggested changes put forward by Mr Coulon but questioned whether further noise and nuisance beyond the existing operating hours would be worth it for what in their opinion, would be a minimal financial boost to the business.

The Panel considered the proposal to extend the operating hours on Friday and Saturday nights and the suggested changes to the premises outlined by the Designated Premises Supervisor, Mr Coulon. They praised his enthusiasm and desire to work with residents to minimise any future disruption caused by the New Road Inn. However, the effects of anti-social behaviour caused by the premises currently gave cause for concern at both their frequency and nature and Panel Members agreed that to extend the licensable hours would likely undermine the current Licensing Objectives.

Resolved:

1.      To refuse the application to vary the Premises Licence for New Road Inn, 244 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 3HL.

2.      To recommend the Designated Premises Supervisor implement all of the suggested changes to the operation of the premises outlined in his representations as a gesture of goodwill to local residents living in the vicinity of the New Road Inn.