The Licensing Hearing was scheduled to convene to consider a premises licence application for The Butterchurn Guesthouse. The application, submitted by Mr Darren Taylor on behalf of The Butterchurn B&B Ltd, seeks permission for the supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment including live and recorded music, both indoors and outdoors. Objections from interested parties, citing concerns about potential public nuisance, were also expected to be taken into account.

Licensing Application for The Butterchurn Guesthouse

The central item for discussion was the application for a premises licence for The Butterchurn Guesthouse, Main Street, Otterburn, NE19 1NP. Mr Darren Taylor, on behalf of The Butterchurn B&B Ltd, applied for several licensable activities, including:

• Supply of alcohol (on and off the premises) between 08:00 and 22:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 23:00 Friday and Saturday.
• Regulated Entertainment: Live music (indoors and outdoors) Thursday to Sunday 14:00 – 22:00, and recorded music (indoors and outdoors) Sunday to Thursday 10:00 – 22:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 – 23:00.

The report pack noted that the Licensing Hearing had the option to grant the licence with conditions, exclude activities, or reject the application.

Objections

The council received objections from interested parties, which were included as Appendix B in the report pack. These objections were accepted on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance. Concerns raised included:

• Noise levels from live and recorded music disrupting residents.
• Potential increase in crime and disorder due to intoxicated individuals.
• Public safety risks such as increased traffic congestion and parking problems.
• Litter and other disturbances impacting residents' quality of life.

One objector wrote:

We are concerned that the number of events especially live music and recorded music will lead to a significant increase in noise levels disrupting residents sleep and peaceful enjoyment of their property.

Another objector stated that the area was predominantly residential, and questioned the need for another licensed premises in the village.

Following the initial objections, Mr Darren Taylor offered amendments to the application, including restricting music to indoors only and agreeing to a 9pm cut-off for outdoor alcohol consumption and closure of the outdoor space. These concessions led to one objector withdrawing their representation.

Licensing Policy and Objectives

The report pack referred to the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, particularly sections on premises licences, decision-making processes, and the prevention of public nuisance. It also referenced the guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003¹.

The licensing objectives, as outlined in the Public reports pack 17th-Jun-2025 10.00 Licensing Hearing.pdf, are:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

The report pack emphasised that each objective is of equal importance.