The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee of Wokingham Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden) in Remenham. The meeting's agenda indicated that the primary focus would be on this licensing application, with procedural items also scheduled.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Old Blades (Garden)

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden), located at Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley on Thames RG9 3DB, in the Thames ward. The application was submitted by Mr Daniel Gardner on behalf of FIELD VISION BARS (Limited Company 13227729).

The applicant sought to offer regulated entertainment (indoors and outdoors), the sale and supply of alcohol, and the provision of late-night refreshment during the dates of the Henley Royal Regatta. The proposed operating hours included:

• Regulated Entertainment: 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.
• Supply of Alcohol: 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.
• Late Night Refreshment: 23:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday.
• Opening Times: 09:00 to 00:30 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

The report pack indicated that the premises had previously operated under a licence (PR0288) with a capacity of 500, which was supplemented by Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to increase the capacity to 999. This new application aimed to formalise a capacity of 1,000.

The applicant proposed operating schedule measures to promote the four licensing objectives: capacity control, the use of SIA Registered Security, a limit of four alcoholic drinks per person per transaction, working with other operators and licensed lifeguards, implementing an egress plan, a Challenge 25 policy, and prohibiting under 18s from entering the area.

However, representations were received from several interested parties, including Remenham Parish Council, Remenham Farm, Ron Emerson (representing Remenham Farm Residents' Association), David Law (a resident of Remenham Lane), and Michael Dudley (a resident of Remenham Lane).

Key concerns raised in these representations included:

• Increased Capacity: Objections were raised to doubling the capacity from 500 to 1,000, citing potential safety and nuisance issues due to the narrow towpath and limited access routes.
• Extended Alcohol Sales: Opposition was expressed to the proposed alcohol sales until midnight, with a preference for sales to cease at 23:00, aligning with other riverside licences during the Henley Royal Regatta.
• Safety Concerns: Specific worries were highlighted regarding the narrow, unfenced towpath adjacent to the River Thames, particularly for inebriated individuals leaving the premises. The steep climb to Remenham Lane and the unlit roadway were also noted as safety risks.
• Public Nuisance: Concerns were raised about attendees spilling onto the public footpath, creating difficulties for other walkers, and the potential for increased noise from amplified music.
• Site Plan Objection: Remenham Farm specifically objected to a proposed 15m x 15m store on their land, which had not been discussed or agreed upon.
• Operating Conditions: Remenham Farm noted that conditions from the current licence (PR0288) were not included in the new application's operating schedule and expressed a desire for these to be carried forward or included as conditions.

The report pack outlined three potential options for the Sub-Committee: to grant the application in full, to grant the application with modifications, or to reject the application. The decision would be made having regard to the representations received and the requirement to promote the four licensing objectives: the Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Public Safety; the Prevention of Public Nuisance; and the Protection of Children from Harm.

The meeting also included procedural items such as the election of a Chairman and the receiving of any declarations of interest.