Red Lion, Rusthall

A few years ago residents living close to the Red Lion had much to complain about, so much so that objections were raised to the proposed premises licence. Residents turned out in force at the  meeting of the Licensing-Sub-Committee held on 25th August 2005.  Goodness me, was it that long ago?

The brewery, Shepherd-Neame, caved in and accepted the conditions proposed by the Environmental Health Department of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Below are the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee.

For the most part the conditions have been adhered to, although this evening people were leaving the pub (and making a lot of noise) after midnight.

25th August 2005

APPLICATION FOR PREMISES’ LICENCE – RED LION, 82 LOWER GREEN ROAD, RUSTHALL

LSC17/05 Consideration was given to an application for a premises’ license at Red Lion, 82

Lower Green Road, Rusthall, which had been referred to the Licensing Sub-
Committee.

It was noted that Environmental Health had withdrawn their representation as the applicant had accepted the following conditions:

1. Music cease at 11pm;

2. No more than 2 music events per calendar month;

3. Acoustic baffles must be fitted to the windows when music is being played;

4. The door on Lower Green Road must be kept shut at all times whilst music is

being played;

5. A door person must man the door at all times during music events; and

6. All conditions must be enforced by the second appointed day (24 November

2005).

The Licensing Sub-Committee proceeded to hear the case following the adopted

procedure rules and all parties present at the hearing were invited to address the

Sub-Committee. After hearing the evidence from all the parties, the Licensing Sub-
Committee retired to take their decision with the Legal Advisor and Committee Clerk.

Members then deliberated the application which was determined having regard to the

four licensing objectives.

Upon reaching a decision the Members of the Sub-Committee returned to the

Committee Room to announce their decision in public. The Legal Advisor announced
the legal advice given to the Sub-Committee during the deliberations.

RESOLVED –

That the application for a premises’ licence in respect of Red Lion, 82

Lower Green Road, Rusthall be determined as shown at Appendix 1 attached.

Appendix 1

LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE

LICENSING PREMISES APPLICATIONS – THURSDAY 25 AUGUST 2005

LICENSING PANEL DECISION NOTICE

NAME AND ADDRESS OF

PREMISES: Red Lion

82 Lower Green Road

Rusthall

Tunbridge Wells

Kent

TN4 8TW

NAME(S) OF APPLICANT:

Shepherd Neame Ltd

REASON(S) FOR

APPLICATIONS -

(REPRESENTATION):

Four representations were made regarding this application, as

follows:

(1) To prevent public nuisance

(2) To prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance

(3) To prevent a public nuisance as concerns over level of

amplification for films after 11pm (10.30pm Sundays) and impact

of this on nearby residents. Concerns about noise after 11pm

(10.30pm Sundays) generated from live music and the impact on

residential amenities. Concerns about the proposal that live

music on New Year’s Eve should continue to close of business

on New Year’s Day etc and the disturbance caused by the

recorded music to the neighbouring residential properties.

Concerns in particular about evenings that lead onto working

week days such as Bank Holiday Mondays and Valentine’s Day

etc and the disturbance caused by the recorded music to the

neighbouring residential properties. Concerns over extension of

hours, particularly during the week and on Sunday nights, as this

will undoubtedly cause a disturbance to residential amenities,

with noise of music and activities occurring within the premises

and the noise of people leaving the premises. This noise may

include slamming of car doors, engine noise, and people’s

voices, all of which will be particularly prominent late into the

night.

(4) Noise late at night carries further than in the daytime and it is not

unreasonable for people to try and get some sleep after 11pm in

the evening. The public house also has a powerful recorded

music system. The base notes thumping away are a constant

irritation which soundproofing alone do much to diminish.

(5) As a residential area we are concerned about extended trading

area for the following reasons-: loud music, late night noise and

traffic.

(6) This is a village pub and a very late opening time could very well

mean people leaving drunk and noisy and could damage

property, cars etc.

(7) Noise and rowdiness is unbelievable when it is turn out time

when there are

people shouting and name calling.

DECISION MADE:

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the licensing objectives

and have decided to limit the supply of alcohol on Sundays to 23.00

and to limit the opening hours on Sundays to 23.30 hours.

In all other respects they were prepared to grant the licence in

accordance with the amendments to vary the licence proposed by

the applicant and as agreed with the Environmental Health Officer.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS:

N/A

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Licensing-Sub Committee took into account the representations

from the interested parties to the relation to the licensing objectives.