Agenda item

In respect of the application made by Krankbrothers for a new Premises Licence for Beckenham Place Park BR3 5BS to operate a weekend music festival annually in September (Dates to be agreed)to confirm that the Committee made the determination shown below.

In the matter of the application for the new Premises Licence, the Committee has considered the relevant representations made.

The Committee has made the following determination:

With a view to ensuring the promotion of the licensing objectives, in accordance with the provisions of the statutory guidance and the principles of our licensing policy, the application for the new premises licence was GRANTED subject to the conditions outlined in the report which had been agreed between the applicant, Police and Crime, Enforcement and Regulation Service

In coming to a determination the Committee considered the following matters;

1.        The Committee noted the representations made by a resident. He did not agree that the licence should be approved as an annual event but an application should be made for a new licence each year. Each festival should be considered on a case by case basis.

2.      The Committee noted the presentation made by the Applicant. It is not financially viable to hold a festival for one day. The festival would be similar to the July festival which had been successful. Hospitality Records had been identified as likely partners for the weekend. They are a household name in the music industry having a successful record business.

3.        The applicant said that disruption in the park would be kept to a minimum, and would benefit a large number of local residents who attend festivals.

4.        The Committee understood the resident’s reasons for not wanting a licence to be granted for an event that is held annually, and commented upon a similar matter, which occurs on Blackheath. However, it was generally accepted that there would be full regulated control over the event because it would be strictly organised in advance through the Council’s Events Safety Advisory Group (“ESAG”), monitored through that group and adjustments could and would be directed and made if and when necessary, again  through the ESAG.

5.        Members also received legal advice that the application did not compromise the licensing objectives.

6.        No representations were received from any responsible authorities.

7.        The Committee noted that the applicant agreed to the conditions recommended by the Police and licensing officers and that granting the application would promote the four licensing objectives.

4.1      The Chair invited the Crime Enforcement and Regulation Manager to introduce the application.

            Crime Enforcement and Regulation (CER) Manager

4.2      The CER Manager said that members were being asked to consider an application for a new premises licence for a September festival in Zone E at Beckenham Place Park submitted by Krankbrother Ltd. She outlined the activities applied for, which related to live and recorded music, alcohol served on the premises and the times applied for these activities. Representations had been received from three interested persons on the grounds of public nuisance. Conditions had been agreed between the applicant Police and Crime Enforcement and Regulation service to promote the licensing objectives. As a result, no objections had been received from responsible authorities. She outlined the steps available to members when making a decision.

            Applicant

4.3      The Chair invited the applicant to make his presentation.

4.4      Mr Clancy highlighted the following key points:

·           The September festival will be similar to the one held in July. The capacity, stage layout and footprint will be similar and there will be a rigorous process with the ESAG.

·           Following success of the July festival, there had been an increase in interest in holding events in the park. The applicant had been in discussions with Lewisham and had offered to produce the only other weekend festival in the park to ensure consistency of the operator and use a similar event management plan. This would ensure a safe, sustainable and reliably run event.

·           The event partner for the September weekend festival was likely to be Hospitality records; they are a 25 year old electronic music label. They have been operating in Finsbury Park but had shown an interest in relocating to South London where their record label has a strong following in the area. They are a household name in the music industry in the UK and have a low risk audience of 25-40 year olds. They would be the brand behind the event.

·           The main representation regarding noise pollution would continue to be addressed and a separate acoustic report from Vanguardia would be produced for each separate event.

4.5      The Chair invited members to ask questions. During the discussion that followed, the following key points were highlighted:

• There would be 8-9 days allocated for setting up the event; 2-3 days for taking the equipment away. Less than 15% of the park would be used for the festival and the significant parts around the event would only be closed for three days. Paths would remain open for dog walkers until late on the Friday before the festival. There are benefits from hosting festivals because revenue is reinvested into the park and encourages a more diverse usage of the park for Lewisham residents.
• 30% of ticket sales were from Lewisham and Bromley residents which was due to outreach marketing. 500 complementary tickets were also given to local residents.
• Lewisham’s Licensing Policy is under review. The detail of the proposed policy does not include the arrangements for Blackheath. It does include submitting outside events to the ESAG; having a review and contacting officers in advance of the event.

Representation

4.6      Mr Tonge asked members to consider what constraints or approvals need to be applied to take account of the fact that it is an evolving business that relates to people; and people change. He urged the Committee to apply what constraints they considered appropriate on a case by case basis.

4.7      The Chair said the meeting would go into closed session. All parties would be advised of the decision within 5 working days. She thanked the applicants for attending the meeting.