The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Miners Rest, located at 403 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea. The committee was requested to make a decision based on the application, representations received, and in line with promoting the licensing objectives. The applicant proposed changes to the layout, an extension of live and recorded music hours, removal of certain existing conditions, and the addition of new ones. Key discussions focused on the proposed extension of music hours and the removal of the condition prohibiting external speakers, which raised concerns from local residents and Councillor Paul Lloyd regarding potential noise nuisance. The applicant later withdrew the request for extended music hours. The committee was asked to provide instructions on how to proceed with the application, considering the representations received.

Variation of Premises Licence for The Miners Rest

The committee considered an application from Greene King Brewing and Retailing Limited to vary the premises licence for The Miners Rest. The proposed changes included alterations to the layout and design of the premises, an extension of live and recorded music hours, the removal of certain existing conditions, and the addition of new ones.

Key aspects of the application and discussions included:

• Layout and Design Changes: The application proposed changes to the internal layout, including the relocation of doors, the creation of a new snug area, reconfiguration of seating, and the addition of a pergola to the existing licensed external area. These changes were generally viewed positively, with residents acknowledging the investment in the pub's refurbishment.
• Extension of Music Hours: The applicant initially sought to extend live and recorded music hours by one hour, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This proposal was met with significant concern from local residents and Councillor Paul Lloyd, who argued that it would lead to increased noise nuisance in the predominantly residential area. The applicant later agreed to withdraw this specific request for extended hours.
• Removal of Existing Conditions: Greene King sought to remove several conditions from the existing licence, including those related to staff training on dealing with aggressive customers and sensible drinking policies. They also sought to remove the condition prohibiting the use of external speakers.
• Addition of New Conditions: The applicant proposed adding new conditions focused on staff training in licensing law, the Challenge 21 policy, and the premises licence conditions. They also proposed an incident log, monitoring of outside areas, noise checks when regulated entertainment is provided, and the display of notices requesting patrons to respect local residents.
• Concerns Regarding External Speakers and Noise: A primary point of contention was the request to remove the condition prohibiting external speakers. Local residents and Councillor Lloyd voiced strong objections, citing existing issues with noise from a large external television and the potential for amplified music to cause significant disturbance. They argued that the existing condition was crucial for preventing public nuisance and protecting the quality of life for nearby residents.
• Applicant's Response: Matthew Phipps, representing Greene King, argued that the proposed new conditions would adequately manage any potential issues. He highlighted that responsible authorities had not raised objections to the application as drafted (prior to the withdrawal of extended hours). He also stated that the company was committed to being a good neighbour and engaging with residents.

The committee was to make a decision based on the individual merits of the application and the representations received, with a view to promoting the licensing objectives. The decision would involve either granting the licence subject to conditions reflecting the operating schedule as modified, or rejecting the whole or part of the application. The applicant requested the committee to grant the plans element, remove conditions excluding the speaker, and attach the proposed new conditions, while acknowledging the need to manage activities properly to avoid future issues.