The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application is for The Coach House Antiques and Tearoom, and the sub-committee will need to consider representations made about the application.

Premises Licence Application: The Coach House Antiques and Tearoom

The sub-committee will consider an application for a new premises licence for The Coach House Antiques and Tearoom, Eggleston Hall, Eggleston, Barnard Castle. The applicant is The Coach House @Eggleston Limited, with Ms Laura Kate Lambert as director, and the agent is Emag Licensing Services, represented by Ms Jane Gilliead.

The application, received on 13 October 2025, requests permission to supply alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 11:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday, with opening hours from 08:00 to 22:00.

Following mediation with Durham Constabulary, the applicant agreed to additional conditions to the Operating Schedule, including:

• All staff to be fully trained on their roles and the premises licence, with training recorded in a register available to the police or council officers.
• Maintenance of an incident book available for inspection.
• Installation and operation of a CCTV system covering all public areas, with recordings retained for a minimum of 28 days.
• Operation of the Challenge 25 scheme¹, with a register of refusals maintained and available for inspection.

In response to concerns from Eggleston Parish Council, the applicant agreed to reduce the terminal hour for alcohol sales and closing time to 21:00.

Eggleston Parish Council submitted a representation opposing the application, raising concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. The Parish Council's concerns include:

• Potential noise and disturbance from extended alcohol sales in a quiet rural setting.
• Risks to pedestrians and road users from increased vehicle traffic on a narrow, shared driveway with limited lighting.
• Potential for increased crime and disorder due to the introduction of alcohol sales in a tearoom environment.
• Concerns about the compatibility of unrestricted alcohol sales with the premises' family-friendly environment.

The Parish Council requested that any licence granted be restricted to the current tearoom opening hours and that alcohol sales be ancillary to food service.

The sub-committee is asked to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives, giving appropriate weight to the steps that are appropriate to promote the licensing objectives, the representations presented by all parties, the Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued to local authorities under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Mark Jackson, Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment, notes that the sub-committee has several options, including granting the licence with or without modifications, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor², or rejecting the application.

Relevant Policies and Guidance

The report pack includes references to several key documents that the sub-committee is recommended to consider:

• Durham County Council's Statement of Licensing Policy: This document outlines the council's approach to licensing and its commitment to promoting the four licensing objectives³. It includes expectations around management practices, staff training, and measures to prevent crime, disorder, and public nuisance. The policy also addresses issues such as maximum occupancy, security, and the prevention of drug-related incidents.

• Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003: This guidance provides advice to licensing authorities on how to exercise their functions under the Licensing Act 2003. It covers a range of issues, including crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The guidance also emphasizes the importance of ensuring safe departures from licensed premises and maintaining appropriate standards of maintenance and repair.