The Licensing Panel (Licensing Act 2003 Functions) met to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence for Hove Museum & Art Gallery. The application was submitted by RPMT Enterprises Ltd. Councillors were scheduled to discuss representations received from local residents, and consider conditions that could be attached to the licence.

Hove Museum & Art Gallery Licensing Application

The meeting was convened to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Hove Museum & Art Gallery, located at 19 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4AB. The applicant was RPMT Enterprises Ltd.

The proposed variation included extending the current internal licensed hours to 11pm each day, instead of the existing limit of 12 events a year. It also sought to include an area outside the museum for licensable activities from 10am to 6pm each day.

The report pack included a summary table of existing and proposed activities at the museum.

The report stated that the premises does not fall in the Cumulative Impact Area or the Special Stress Area¹.

Representations

The council received 10 representations from local residents, raising concerns relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. Full details of the representations were included in Appendix D.

Some residents expressed concerns about potential noise and antisocial behaviour, given the museum's location in a quiet, primarily residential area. One resident, REDACTED, stated:

Hove Museum is located in a quiet, primarily residential area, and introducing regular events involving alcohol would inevitably lead to increased noise and disruption for local residents. This is a peaceful community where many families with young children, as well as elderly residents, rely on a sense of calm and safety that could be lost if this application is approved.

Another resident, REDACTED, raised concerns about the gardens being restricted to event attendees, and the loss of a calm and quiet oasis .

Some residents also felt that the application was not well-suited to a residential area, and that the number of attendees required to make the activities profitable would generate a level of noise detrimental to those living nearby.

Other concerns included:

• The potential for increased antisocial behaviour, littering and vandalism.
• Strain on local parking and disturbances from taxis and private vehicles.
• The impact on the character of the conservation area².

One resident, REDACTED, questioned the suitability of the venue for the proposed activities, asking:

I ask where these plays and dances and film showings referred to in the application are to be held? Is the museum use being changed? Will the art installations, mini cinema and toy museum be removed? (If so, surely public consultation is appropriate).The reason I ask is that there is nowhere large enough to hold plays, dances and film showings, other than in the grounds. This will obviously be extremely noisy, disruptive and totally incongruous to this quiet corner of Hove.

Another resident, REDACTED, claimed that the application was an attempt to slowly turn the museum into a theatre/cinema/bar in a totally unsuitable residential setting.

Brighton & Hove City Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021

The report pack included commentary on the Brighton & Hove City Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2021. It noted that the licensing authority must carry out its functions with a view to promoting the licensing objectives, which are:

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

The policy also outlines a matrix approach to licensing decisions, which provides a framework for what the licensing authority would like to see within its area.

Proposed Conditions

Appendix E detailed proposed conditions for the licence, including:

• Authorised Sussex Police staff having the right of access to the premises.
• A requirement for seated service and substantial food availability, except during events.
• Installation and maintenance of CCTV.
• Maintenance of an incident and refusals log.
• Employment of SIA³ licensed door supervisors when required.
• Membership of the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
• Operation of a Challenge 25 policy.

Additional conditions offered up in the application, and conditions agreed with other responsible authorities, may also have been adopted.