The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Buckingham Football Club, subject to several conditions. The committee considered representations from local residents concerned about noise, public nuisance, and potential impacts on children, alongside the club's proposals for operating hours and activities.

New Premises Licence for Buckingham Football Club

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for Buckingham Football Club, located at Stratford Road, Buckingham, MK18 1NY. The application sought to allow for a wider range of licensable activities and extended operating hours compared to the club's existing Club Premises Certificate.

Discussions and Concerns:

A significant number of representations were received from local residents, primarily focusing on the potential for public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Key concerns raised included:

• Noise and Public Nuisance: Residents living in close proximity to the club expressed worries about increased noise levels from live and recorded music, particularly from outdoor events, and the potential for disturbance from patrons leaving the premises late at night. Specific concerns were raised about amplified music, generators for food trucks, and the general noise associated with alcohol consumption. Some residents highlighted that their homes are situated in a bowl area where noise travels easily.
• Impact on Children: Several representations emphasised the importance of sleep for children's development and well-being. Residents with young children voiced concerns that the proposed late-night hours for music and alcohol sales would disrupt their children's sleep, potentially affecting their health, behaviour, and school performance. The NHS guidance on recommended sleep hours for different age groups was cited to illustrate the potential impact.
• Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised about potential increases in anti-social behaviour associated with late-night drinking and extended opening hours. This included worries about loitering, public intoxication, and potential petty crimes.
• Public Safety and Parking: Issues related to parking on match days were highlighted, with residents noting that the car park is often at capacity, leading to vehicles parking on grass verges and residential streets. This was seen as potentially causing congestion, hampering visibility on a blind bend, and posing risks to pedestrians and emergency access.
• Fire Risk: One resident raised concerns about fire risks associated with smoking embers igniting hedges and conifer trees adjacent to the club, particularly during outdoor events in warmer months.

Applicant's Response and Proposed Mitigations:

Nathan Tinsley, the applicant, and Adam Bray, the chairman of the club, presented their case. They explained that the application for a full premises licence was intended to provide greater operational flexibility and reduce the need for multiple Temporary Event Notices for events like the annual Buckingham Live music event.

They addressed the residents' concerns by highlighting several measures and commitments:

• Noise Management Plan (NMP): The club committed to operating in accordance with an NMP, which would include keeping doors and windows closed during evening hours to limit sound travel. They also proposed a direct telephone number for residents to report issues and a written complaints log.
• Outdoor Entertainment Restrictions: To address concerns about outdoor noise, the applicant agreed to several conditions:
  • Limiting outdoor regulated entertainment to 10 pm, rather than the proposed 11 pm.
  • Restricting the number of other outdoor live music acts to seven per year, with amplified sound on the decking finishing by 6:30 pm.
  • The large Buckingham Live event would be limited to one per year and would finish by 10 pm.
• Hours and Alcohol Sales: While the proposed hours were largely in line with the existing Club Premises Certificate, the applicant agreed to a condition clarifying that the extended hours until 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays would apply to indoor activities only. Last orders would be called at 11 pm.
• Club Premises Certificate Relinquishment: After discussion, the applicant agreed to relinquish their existing Club Premises Certificate in favour of the new premises licence, which the subcommittee felt would provide greater regulatory oversight.
• CCTV: The club confirmed they have CCTV covering inside and outside the premises, including the car park and decking area.
• Capacity: The clubhouse capacity of 100 people, as determined by a fire risk assessment, would be maintained.
• Community Focus: The club emphasised its role as a non-profit community facility and stated they do not intend to become a final venue for late-night drinkers. They also highlighted that private hires are generally limited to over-30s and are managed events.
• Car Park: The club noted that the car park is freely available to the public 24/7 and that keeping it open avoids cars parking on residential streets.

Decision:

The subcommittee granted the premises licence subject to a number of conditions, including those proposed by the applicant and additional conditions agreed upon during the hearing. These conditions aimed to address the concerns raised by residents regarding noise, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, while allowing the club to operate within a regulated framework. The decision was made with regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the council's licensing policy, and Home Office guidance.