The Licensing Sub-Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Thursday 13 August 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Goudhurst Inn, now known as The Winemaker's Pub. The committee granted the application for changes to alcohol sales and opening hours but refused the variation for live music, citing the existing provisions under the Live Music Act. Four additional conditions were imposed on the licence.

Variation of Premises Licence for The Goudhurst Inn

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Goudhurst Inn, located on Cranbrook Road in Goudhurst¹. The application, submitted by Warwick Balfour Capital LLP, sought to amend the times for the sale of alcohol, opening hours, and to introduce live music both indoors and outdoors. The applicant, represented by Lee Hart, Operations Director, and Kieran Shukla, Operations Manager, stated that the current licence was outdated and lacked the flexibility needed for the business's long-term success. They highlighted a significant investment of approximately £250,000 in refurbishment and their commitment to maintaining the pub as a village asset.

During the 28-day public consultation period, 11 representations were received from local residents objecting to the application, primarily concerning the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. No representations were received from responsible authorities.

Key points raised by the applicant included:

• The need for flexibility in licensing hours to ensure the business's sustainability, particularly the ability to sell alcohol between 3 pm and 5 pm on Thursdays.
• The desire to have live music, both indoors and outdoors, within the garden, stating it was a standard provision for modern pubs.
• Clarification that the request for 24-hour opening was for hotel residents and not for licensable activities, and that the pub aimed to be a premium country pub rather than a late-night music venue.
• An offer to discuss noise reduction procedures and to draft a sound management programme for neighbours.

Objectors, including residents Nick Lucas, James Rourke, Nick Martin, and Sam Pope, raised concerns about:

• The potential for increased noise pollution from outdoor music, particularly impacting the peace and quiet of the residential area. Mr. Lucas stated that music from a previous event was clearly heard 250 metres away on Burrisford Road, affecting approximately 90 properties.
• The impact of late-night indoor music on children's sleep schedules and overall wellbeing.
• The applicant's request for live music on the licence, despite already having rights under the Live Music Act, suggesting an intention to exceed current allowances.
• Concerns that a permanent licence would bind future owners, potentially leading to increased noise issues if the property were sold.
• The applicant's status as a major corporate operator rather than a struggling independent pub, suggesting they had the financial capacity to invest in acoustic insulation.

The Subcommittee's Decision:

After considering the representations and hearing from all parties, the Licensing Sub-Committee, with advice from legal advisor Helen Ward, made the following determination:

• Grant the application for the changes sought to the sale of alcohol and opening hours. This included the addition of alcohol sales between 3 pm and 5 pm on Thursdays.
• Refuse the changes sought to live music, both indoors and outdoors. The committee stated that the applicant could rely on the existing provisions of the Live Music Act² for the activities described.
• Impose four additional conditions on the premises licence:
  1. No customers, other than hotel residents and their bona fide guests, shall remain on the premises later than 30 minutes after the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol.
  2. The premises shall host residents' meetings on a minimum of a six-monthly basis, with records of attendance and minutes to be kept for a minimum of three years.
  3. The premises licence holder shall be responsible for preparing and maintaining a noise management policy, and all staff must receive training on this policy.
  4. The premises licence holder shall be responsible for preparing and maintaining a complaints handling procedure, and all staff must be trained on how to deal with complaints.

The written decision, which will contain the full reasons for the subcommittee's determination, will be provided to all parties, along with details on how to appeal the decision.