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 decision followed a hearing where concerns were raised by local residents regarding noise, public nuisance, and potential crime and disorder, alongside representations from the applicant.

New Premises Licence for Clapton Community Football Club

The committee granted a new premises licence to Clapton Community Football Club, located at The Old Spotted Dog Ground, Rear of 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP. The application sought to allow the supply of alcohol from 12:00 to 00:00 daily, and for plays, films, performances of dance, live music, and recorded music from 12:00 to 23:00 or 00:00 daily, with premises opening hours from 09:00 to 01:00.

The applicant, The Old Spotted Dog Ground Trust Limited, explained that the new licence was sought to replace an existing one, which had a complex history. They stated that the club is run by volunteers and is a charity, with all profits reinvested into the grounds. Anu Mayor, the designated premises supervisor, highlighted that since taking over in July 2020, there had been no noise complaints and that the club had hosted over 50,000 attendees across approximately 180 games without issue. The primary reasons for seeking the new licence were to accommodate midweek games that sometimes ran late, and to allow for occasional private hires and events without the prohibitive cost of security required by the current licence after 9 pm.

Three residents submitted representations against the application, primarily citing concerns about noise, public nuisance, and crime and disorder. Rowan Lau, a local resident, expressed worries about potential disturbances to sleep for children and parents due to extended hours and music. He also raised concerns about loitering and anti-social behaviour in alleyways and the potential for increased litter. Another resident echoed these concerns, particularly regarding noise travelling to surrounding households and the impact on families with young children. They also noted issues with litter and foxes disturbing bins, and recalled problems with previous late licences at the venue.

The committee heard that responsible authorities, including the police and environmental health, had agreed to conditions proposed by the applicant and therefore did not make formal representations. These agreed conditions, detailed in Appendix C of the reports pack, included measures such as a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, the keeping of refusal and incident books, controls on alcohol sales, litter management, and fire safety arrangements.

Following deliberation, the committee decided to grant the new licence. Additional conditions, to be communicated in writing, were attached to the licence. The applicant agreed to surrender the old licence in favour of the new one. The decision means the club can now operate with extended hours for alcohol sales and regulated entertainment, subject to the agreed conditions.

Key Discussions and Decisions:

• New Premises Licence Application: The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a new premises licence for Clapton Community Football Club.
• Grant of Licence: The committee decided to grant the new premises licence.
• Agreed Conditions: The applicant had agreed to a set of conditions with responsible authorities, which were incorporated into the licence.
• Resident Concerns: Local residents raised concerns about noise, public nuisance, litter, and potential anti-social behaviour, particularly due to the proximity of residential properties and schools.
• Applicant's Reassurances: The applicant emphasised their commitment to community use, volunteer management, and a track record of no complaints since 2020. They also highlighted measures in place to mitigate risks.
• Surrender of Old Licence: The applicant confirmed they would surrender the existing premises licence upon the granting of the new one.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Tonii Wilson, Chair of the Licensing Committee, with other attendees including Councillor Jane Lofthouse, Councillor Harvinder Singh Virdee, and officers Mehrunnisa Hussain, Steve Jackson, Shane Passfield, Mandeep Mehat, Umair Malik, and Sajid Mahmood.