The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to address a new premises licence application and a personal licence application, as well as review minutes from previous meetings. The main focus was to be on the application for a premises licence for Chalkies Sports Bar. Additionally, the sub-committee was to review minutes from meetings held on 25 March 2025 and 8 April 2025.

Chalkies Sports Bar Premises Licence Application

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Chalkies Sports Bar, located at 16 Croft Street, Crook, County Durham. The application was submitted by Mr Graeme Clark and Mrs Joanne Clark on 11 April 2025.

The applicants requested permission to:

• Supply alcohol for consumption on the premises from 11:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday.
• Extend the supply of alcohol until 01:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
• Maintain opening hours from 11:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday, with extensions until 01:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Following mediation with the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership, the applicants agreed to add a condition to their operating schedule to maintain a refusals register to record instances where alcohol sales are denied to individuals appearing intoxicated or underage.

During the consultation period, the council received six objections from local residents, but after the applicants provided additional information, four of these were withdrawn. The remaining objections, from Mrs V Greaveson and Ms D Lax, raised concerns related to:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

Objectors' concerns included the potential for increased noise, antisocial behaviour, and disturbances due to the proposed hours and activities. Mrs Greaveson, in a representation sent on 14 April 2025, stated:

The proposed opening hours of Chalkies Sports Bar, coupled with its large halls designed to host events and parties, will significantly worsen existing noise issues in Crook. Residents are already subjected to late-night noise from the excessive number of pubs in the area. The addition of this venue will inevitably lead to more disturbances, further disrupting residents' sleep and peace.

In response to these concerns, Mr Graeme Clark and Mrs Joanne Clark stated that Chalkies would operate as a snooker and pool hall, not a traditional pub, with low-level background music and no live music or parties. They also outlined measures to prevent crime and disorder, including CCTV, a refusals register, a strict Challenge 25 policy¹, and participation in the local pubwatch scheme.

The council's planning department responded with comments for information only, noting that the application did not appear to seek a change of use for the property, which was last used as a social club.

The sub-committee was asked to consider the application, giving weight to the licensing objectives, representations from all parties, the Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy, and guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003².

Personal Licence Application

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a personal licence, during a session that was not open to the public.