Doncaster Metripolitan Council Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27th August, 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations were reported at the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Ferryboat Farm Fisheries, Ferry Boat Lane, Old Denaby, Doncaster, DN12 4LB.

The Sub-Committee Members, the Applicant, their representative, and any persons making representations had received a copy of the agenda papers prior to the meeting. A copy of the representations was attached at Appendix E.

At the commencement of the meeting, the Chair welcomed everyone back to the reconvened meeting, introductions were made, and she outlined the procedure to be followed.

The Senior Licensing Practitioner, Hayley Oxley introduced the report and outlined the key points to the application.

The Applicant’s representative, Mr Stephen Butler, SMB Consultancy Group LTD attended the meeting, made representations and answered questions.

Mr Peter O’Brien and Mrs Aileen Robinson, residents on Ferry Boat Lane attended the meeting made representations, and answered questions.

All parties were then asked to leave the meeting whilst the sub-committee deliberated on the application and reached a decision.

RESOLVED that having considered the application for a new premises licence in respect of Ferryboat Farm Fisheries, Ferry Boat Lane, Old Denaby, Doncaster, DN12 4LB, taken into account the representations made and evidence presented today, the steps that are appropriate to promote the Licensing Objectives, the Home Office Guidance and the Statement of Licensing Policy and have decided to grant the licence in the terms set out in Appendix B

The sub-committee heard from Mr Stephen Butler, who represented the Applicant, Thomas Carlin. Mr Butler confirmed that Mr Carlin runs a successful fishing and camp site, which employs local people.  He confirmed later in the hearing that there was capacity for around 40 caravans on the site.  The application related to two licensable areas, which have been provided in the plans before the sub-committee.

It was submitted and noted that no statutory bodies, as responsible authorities, had made any representations in objection to this application.

Responding to the objectors concerns, surrounding anti-social behaviour, and fighting in the street, it was submitted that there was no evidential link on the information provided to the Sub-Committee between this premises licence application or the Applicant and that behaviour. 

It was noted that the Applicant had previously operated under temporary event notices, and it was submitted that there had not been any concerns or complaints previously.

As a result of consultation and engagement with the local residents, the Applicant had accepted the conditions set out in Appendix B. 

It appeared there may have been misunderstanding around car boot sales and music events being advertised online.  The Sub-Committee were assured that advice had been given and the Applicant was now aware of what he is unable to do under the Licensing Act.  The matter before the Sub-Committee today was in relation to a premises licence for the sale of alcohol, and the Sub-Committee can only consider the application before them.

When asked who would be policing the licensing hours, the Applicants representative responded that a breach of licensing law was an imprisonable criminal offence.  It was further submitted that the Designated Premises Supervisor will be responsible for day-to-day management, as required by the licence.

The Sub-committee also heard from objectors who put forward their own representations.  The Sub-Committee heard from Peter O’Brien who raised concerns that the Applicant had not complied with planning law, and that this showed a blatant disregard for the law.  The Sub-Committee considered this point and noted that no objections or representations have been made by the planning authority.  This was explained to Mr O’Brien. 

It was submitted that previous events at the site had involved cans of alcohol being sold after fishing matches, for limited hours on limited occasions.  This did not cause any issues, however the concern was that the premises licence will permit the sale of alcohol over longer periods of time.  Mr O’Brien said that he was not confident that the Applicant would control the sale of alcohol in such a manner that it would not be a nuisance to residents. 

Aileen Robinson made her own representations, specifically raising her concerns as to the need for another licenced premises, and the impact this would have on other licenced premises in the area.  The Sub-Committee considered that considerations as to the need for a licenced premises is a commercial concern, and not a licensing one, which was set out at paragraph 14.19 of the statutory guidance.

The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the Applicant put forward conditions that will effectively promote the licensing objectives, such as with timings and removing alcoholic beverages from the site.  Whilst the Sub-Committee had sympathy with those who have made representations, there was no evidence presented to substantiate these concerns.