Agenda and minutes

None.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025, were unanimously approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

The Applicant attended the meeting and was permitted to speak and answered questions put to them by the Sub-Committee. Those who had submitted representations also attended the meeting and were represented by a Spokesperson.

Arising from consideration of the report, evidence presented and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 Statutory Guidance, and the Council’s Licensing Policy, it was moved by Councillor Hayes and seconded by Councillor Dawson, and

RESOLVED that the Variation to a Premises Licence in respect of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery Ltd, The Old Town Hall, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9EG be granted as set out in the report including the conditions previously agreed with Environmental Health but with an amendment to the opening hours requested to 10am-00.00am with the supply of alcohol to end by 11.30pm.

Reasons for the decision:

The Sub-Committee heard from the Licensing Manager who explained that the application had been submitted to vary the current opening hours of the premises from the current 10am-11pm to 10am-00.30am with the supply of alcohol and provision of regulated entertainment to finish at midnight. In response to questions the Licensing Manager confirmed no official complaints had been received since 2019 and the Distillery has been licensed since 2016.

The Licensing Manager explained that after consultation with Environmental Health conditions had been agreed with the Applicant to amend the live and recorded music times to finish at 11pm every day and add a condition that windows will be closed when live or recorded music is played. Noise levels will also be monitored and recorded outside as set out in the detailed conditions.

The Applicant was permitted to address the Sub-Committee and confirmed that he had already fitted blackout blinds which assist with soundproofing as well as keeping windows and doors closed. The doors are being converted to being on an automatic closing system. He also has a handheld decibel monitor which is used to make sure levels are below the maximum legal level.

The Applicant continued and confirmed that signs have been put up to remind customers to keep noise levels down when outside and a new security system has been installed with the recordings held for 12months. These will be available for inspection if required.

The Applicant then stated that other establishments have later opening licences and hold noisy events with seemingly no objections, but it seems that this premises is being singled out by a handful of people.

In answer to Member’s questions the Applicant confirmed that the decibel meter is handheld and is checked every 30 minutes. There had been complaints directly to the Applicant, but these were all from those who had submitted objections. The Applicant also confirmed he had sent a letter to the community to discuss matters prior to submitting the application but that only a handful had turned up. The Applicant then explained that he had been in business for 10 years. No food is served at the premises, but customers are actively encouraged to bring in takeaways,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 169.