The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Purley Sports Club. The committee will also review the standard procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

Purley Sports Club Premises Licence Application

The main item scheduled for discussion is a new premises licence application for Purley Sports Club, located at The Ridge, Purley, CR8 3PF. The application seeks to authorise several licensable activities, including:

• Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises: Proposed hours are Monday to Wednesday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:45 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• Provision of live music, recorded music, and performance of dance: Proposed hours are Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.
• Provision of late-night refreshment: Proposed hours are Thursday from 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 pm to 12:00 am.

The report pack indicates that the Metropolitan Police and Trading Standards Officer initially raised concerns, which have since been addressed by amendments to the applicant's operating schedule. However, 40 valid representations have been received from Other Parties ¹, raising concerns related to all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Many of these representations highlight concerns about noise pollution from amplified music, particularly outdoors, and extended operating hours. Residents express worries about increased anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, parking issues, and a general detrimental impact on the quality of life in the predominantly residential area. Some representations specifically question the suitability of outdoor amplified music in such a location, especially given the proximity of residential properties and the existing noise from sporting activities.

The committee will need to consider these representations alongside the applicant's operating schedule and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy² when determining the application. The possible outcomes include granting the application as requested, granting it with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, or rejecting the application entirely.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings Procedure

The committee is also scheduled to review the Licensing Sub-Committee - Hearings Procedure document³. This document outlines the established procedures for how the committee conducts its business, including the process for handling licence applications, representations, and hearings. It details the roles of parties involved, the stages of a hearing, and the criteria for making decisions, all in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003⁴.