The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of County Durham Council met on Monday 22 June 2026 to consider an application to vary a premises licence for The Graham Sports Centre. The meeting's agenda focused on this single item, with the sub-committee reviewing the application and a representation received from a local resident.

Application to Vary a Premises Licence at The Graham Sports Centre

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Graham Sports Centre in Durham. The application, submitted by Ricky Cohen on behalf of Durham University, sought to add regulated entertainment, indoor sporting events, amend alcohol sale and opening hours, and introduce new conditions relating to CCTV, staff training, Challenge 25, and noise management.

The report pack indicated that during the consultation period, one representation opposing the application was received from a resident, Mr Tyrens. This representation raised concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. Responses from the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership, Public Health, and Durham Constabulary confirmed they had no comments to make.

The sub-committee was asked to determine the application, giving appropriate weight to the steps proposed to promote the licensing objectives, the representations made, the Durham County Council Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued to local authorities under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The application detailed proposed changes to licensable activities and hours. This included extending the hours for plays, films, indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music, and performances of dance. The sale of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption was also proposed to be extended, as were the general opening hours of the premises. Additional conditions were proposed, including the provision of CCTV, staff training, adherence to a Challenge 25 policy, and a noise management plan.

The representation from Mr Tyrens highlighted concerns about potential late-night disturbances, noise from music, light pollution, parking issues, and traffic congestion, particularly in relation to the nearby village of Shincliffe and the greenbelt area. Mr Tyrens also raised concerns about the impact on wildlife and the visual intrusion on Durham as a World Heritage Site.

Durham University, represented by Ricky Cohen, Senior Operations Manager, provided additional information addressing these concerns. They emphasised their commitment to the licensing objectives, outlining existing policies and procedures, including a Bars Policy, Student Alcohol Awareness and Use Policy, and a Noise Management Plan. They stated that the proposed extended hours and alcohol sales would be infrequent and event-led, rather than routine, and that robust CCTV systems and staff training were in place. The university also noted that the premises is a contained, indoor facility within a managed campus environment, with the nearest residential buildings at a significant distance.

The sub-committee was presented with several options for determining the application, including granting the variation with conditions, modifying conditions, excluding certain activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely.

The meeting also had scheduled items for apologies for absence, substitute members, and declarations of interest, which are standard procedural matters.