The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council granted a new premises licence to Clapton Community Football Club for The Old Spotted Dog Ground. The committee also imposed several additional conditions on the licence to address concerns raised by local residents.

New Premises Licence for Clapton Community Football Club

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence to Clapton Community Football Club for The Old Spotted Dog Ground, located at the rear of 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP. The application was for the supply of alcohol, plays, films, live and recorded music, and performances of dance, with proposed opening hours from 9 am to 1 am daily.

Three local residents had submitted representations against the application, primarily citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder. These concerns included potential noise disturbances, littering, and anti-social behaviour from crowds congregating outside the premises. One resident, Rowan Lau, attended the hearing to elaborate on these points.

However, the applicant, Anu Mayor, who is the designated premises supervisor and a trustee of The Old Spotted Dog Ground Trust Limited, addressed these concerns. She highlighted that the club is run by a charity and that any profits are reinvested into the grounds. Ms. Mayor stated that since the current operators took over in July 2020, there had been no noise complaints and that events were primarily held within the clubhouse. She explained that the extended hours were needed to accommodate mid-week matches and occasional community hires without the need for repeated Temporary Events Notices, which incur significant costs.

The Sub-Committee considered the application, the residents' representations, and the applicant's responses. They were reassured by the applicant's commitment to working with the licensing authority and the conditions offered. As a result, the committee decided to grant the licence with the following additional conditions:

• One SIA (Security Industry Authority) licensed individual must be present on match days only from 9 pm until closing.
• An updated, detailed map of the interior and exterior of the licensed areas must be provided.
• No outside music is permitted after 10 pm.
• Noise limiters are to be installed.
• Contact details for complaints must be advertised in the bar and on the club's website.
• A minimum sale of four cans for off-premises sales of craft beer.
• Upon the grant of the new licence, the applicant will surrender the existing licence for the premises.

The committee was satisfied that these conditions were appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives and would allay the fears raised by residents. They noted that there was no direct evidence presented linking the current operators to past issues and that the applicant had agreed to robust conditions. The committee also acknowledged the important community function provided by the football club, supporting local schools and community groups.