Agenda and draft minutes

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the Items on the Agenda be taken in public as proposed.

The Chairman requested those present to introduce themselves, explained the procedures and Members confirmed that they had read all the papers.

As no objectors were present, Mrs Bolas explained to Members that under Regulation 20 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations if a party has not informed whether they are attending or not and does not attend, Members can decide to either adjourn the hearing where they consider it to be necessary in the public interest or continue with the hearing in the party’s absence.  If a decision is taken to continue, consideration must be given to the written objections received.  Members decided to continue with the hearing.

Mrs Bolas explained that the hearing was regarding an application for a new premises licence for Hush Heath Winery for the supply of alcohol on and off the premises between the hours of 10am and 9 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am to 6pm (Sunday).  The opening hours would be 11am to 5pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12 noon to 5pm (Sunday).  No objections had been received from responsible authorities, however, 7 objections had been received from other persons.  Amendments to the application regarding other licensable activities and the opening hours have addressed some of the objections raised. 

Members were informed that a licence is required for the retail sale of alcohol and if that relates to on-line or telephone orders, the time and place to be licensed is when and where the alcohol is appropriated to the order, not when and where the order is taken and any appropriation of the alcohol must be done within the opening hours.  Mrs Bolas explained that the sub-committee can only take account of representations made on grounds relating to the four licensing objectives.

Mr Balfour-Lynn, the applicant, stated in his opening remarks that Hush Heath started in 2002 and planning permission was granted in 2010.  The Estate has 400 acres. They have made the Estate environmentally friendly and improved the whole area significantly.  They employ 12 people and have recently taken on an apprentice under the Kent Scheme and are very responsible employers.  He stated that all staff are trained in Health & Safety and all other matters.

Mr Balfour-Lynn stated that they predominantly sell their wine through their own distributor in London.  For the last 2 years many people have visited the winery, customers, wine clubs and other wine makers from all over the world.  Their sparkling wine was selected by British Airways for their First Class Travellers and it was the only sparkling wine sold at the Olympics and also served on the Orient Express. 

Last year they decided to do some limited public openings, two days a week (Friday and Saturday) as an experiment.  People book in for a tour of the winery, estate and vineyards or they can go on their own around the vineyard only.  Children under 12 must be accompanied if entering the tasting room, but are not allowed in the winery or on the tours.  CCTV  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

10.00 a.m. to 11.20 a.m.