The Licensing Sub-Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Thursday 1 October 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Old Auction House. The meeting's agenda included procedural matters and the determination of this application.

Variation of Premises Licence for The Old Auction House

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application to vary the premises licence for The Old Auction House, located at Linden Park Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QL. The application sought to:

• Add live and recorded music from 23:00 to 23:59, seven days a week.
• Amend the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol, both on and off the premises, to be 08:00 to 23:59, seven days a week.
• Amend the permitted opening hours to be 08:00 to 23:59, seven days a week.
• Remove conditions 2 and 3 from the existing premises licence's operating schedule. These conditions currently stipulate that alcohol for consumption on the premises can only be sold to persons seated at a table and served by waiter service.

The report pack indicated that seven relevant representations were received from other persons during the public consultation period, relating to the licensing objectives. No representations were received from responsible authorities. The applicant had responded to these representations, and conditions had been agreed with Environmental Health.

The report pack outlined two available options for the Sub-Committee: to grant the application with modified conditions, or to reject the whole or part of the application. The preferred option was for the Members to determine the application, taking into account the merits of the application, representations, Home Office guidance, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The report pack detailed the licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003, which are: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also referenced the Human Rights Act and its articles concerning the protection of property and the right to respect for private and family life.

Several representations were included in the report pack, primarily focusing on the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance. Concerns were raised about increased potential for crime and disorder, prolonged noise from music and patrons, late-night anti-social behaviour, and litter. Specific issues highlighted included amplified music being audible within residences, the building's construction not adequately containing amplified music, and the lack of a clear wind-down period between the end of licensable activities and customers leaving. Some objectors also expressed concern about the removal of conditions requiring seated alcohol sales and waiter service.

The applicant's responses to these representations clarified that the application was not seeking to extend the premises' closing time, which was already midnight, but rather to align the licensable activity hours with the existing closing time. The applicant stated that the flexibility sought would be used selectively for occasional events and would allow for a more controlled and gradual dispersal of customers, potentially reducing noise in surrounding streets. Measures to minimise noise, such as closing windows and doors from 9:00 pm, not permitting glasses or bottles outside after 10:00 pm, and monitoring noise levels, were outlined. The applicant also noted that they had agreed to additional noise management measures with Environmental Health.

The agreed conditions with Environmental Health, as detailed in the report pack, included the maintenance of a documented noise management plan, regular external perimeter noise checks during regulated entertainment, a written record of all noise complaints, and prominent notices requesting patrons to leave quietly.