To consider objections by the Council’s Environmental Health Officer and the Police Licensing Officer to three Temporary Event Notices for Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP (copy to follow).

The Sub-Committee considered a report from the Head of Public Protection which sought Members’ determination in accordance with the Statutory Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and the CBC Licensing Policy with regard to three objection notices received in relation to three temporary event notices (TEN) for Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable.

The temporary event notices were for the following dates and times:

An event on either 6 July 2018 (14:00 to 00:00) or 7 July 2018 (11:00 to 22:00)

An event on either 10 July 2018 (13:00 to 23:00) or 11 July 2018 (13:00 to 23:00)

An event on either 14 July 2018 (11:00 to 22:00) or 15 July 2018 (11:00 to 22:00)

The Licensing Compliance Officer advised that three temporary event notices had been submitted, each for two dates in July 2018 and that representations had been received from Bedfordshire Police and the CBC Environmental Health with regards to issues relating to the following Licensing Objectives:-

·         the prevention of crime and disorder

·         prevention of public nuisance

·         the protection of children from harm

It was brought to the attention of the Sub-Committee that the report contained an error in that a third option, alongside Option A and Option B, had been omitted which was an option to include conditions to the current notice.

In response to a query, confirmation was given that the current premises licence was in place and covered Grove House Gardens for the showing of plays and films, boxing and wrestling, live music and dance.  The sale of alcohol was restricted to a specific festival.

The Chairman invited the applicant to set out his case and handouts were circulated to attendees which were read and accepted. 

The applicant explained that the temporary event notices were submitted to expand on the success the sports bar were currently having with the world cup and that they were currently turning away 200-300 people due to their premises already being full.  In order to cater for these extra fans, a ‘Fanzone’ would be set up in Grove Park to provide an opportunity for these fans to further support England’s progress in the world cup.

Cllr Duckett pointed out that the objections to the TENs were based on lack of planning for the events and asked when this venture was started.

The applicant advised that the idea had been in place for some time and conversations were had with others to arrange for this opportunity.  As England were progressing through the tournament it had been decided to apply for the TENs.  Risk assessments had been carried out in advance and Dunstable Town Council were approached as was the ranger for Grove House gardens.  The applicant noted that these events would not generate a lot of income as a considerable amount would need to be spent on screens, fences, security staff etc.  The applicant noted that safety was paramount.

The Chairman asked where the fans in the ‘Fanzone’ will be purchasing alcoholic drinks.

The applicant advised that there will be a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8