Minutes:
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The Applicant and his representatives presented their case and explained that the pub and beer garden had been there since the pub was established in 1866. It was explained the previous owner did not use the beer garden. They explained they had recently used the beer garden for customers to view the Euro 2024 football matches and that this had caused some complaints from neighbours. It was explained that they had not changed anything inside or outside on the premises, only the refurbishment of the beer garden.
The Applicant and his representatives explained that as they were the new owners of The Buck Inn, they wanted to use the beer garden to try to establish their business. They explained that they had made efforts to regulate the noise by including signs and commented that they had limited control of noise generated by customers.
The Senior Licensing Officer asked the Applicant what events had been held in the beer garden since it was reopened. The Applicant stated that the screening of the England football matches during the Euro 2024 were the only events which had been held.
In response to a further question from the Senior Licensing Officer, the Applicant confirmed no live music or dance events had been held in the beer garden, only inside the premises and stated that this was compliant with their music licence.
The Senior Licensing Officer referred to the complaints received from their neighbours about the noise from the televisions and beer garden and asked the Applicant whether they told the complainants that they were not interested in the complaints and should take legal action. The Applicant explained they had taken steps to try to reduce any noise by including signs around the beer garden. It was explained they had received complaints from their neighbours during the Euro 2024 final when they had a higher volume of customers and advised them that they could seek legal advice.
The Senior Licensing Officer asked the Applicant how they were going to control any disruption going forward. The Applicant confirmed they would follow any rules set by the Council.
There were no questions to the Applicant from Mr Todhunter.
The other Interested Party who wished to keep their identity confidential asked the Applicant how they would prevent any noise disturbance in the future. The Applicant reassured the Interested Party that they would follow any rules set by the Council.
Councillor Rust asked the Applicant how long the beer garden had been closed for prior to them moving in. The Applicant confirmed it had been closed for 10 years.
In response to a further question from Councillor Rust, the Applicant confirmed no speakers had been installed in the beer garden, only televisions for customers to view the Euro 2024 football matches.
Councillor Rust asked the Applicant why the proposed hours within the application were so extensive. The Applicant explained they had made a mistake. He commented that it would be worth trying for the longer hours but if that wasn’t to be granted then they would accept the hours granted.
Councillor Sandell asked the Applicant how many people watched the football matches in the beer garden. The Applicant advised that approximately 60-80 people attended.
Councillor Sandell asked if the Applicant would be prepared to work with their neighbours if any problems were to arise in the future. The Applicant explained that this would depend on whether their neighbours approached them in a respectable way.
In response to a question raised by the Chair, the Applicant confirmed that the televisions in the beer garden did not have sound bars.