Subject:		Application for a New Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003
Premises:		Hove Fitness Club, 2 St Heliers Avenue, Hove, BN3 5RE
Applicant:		Hove Fitness Club Limited
Date of Meeting:		30 May 2024
Report of:		Executive Director of City Services
Contact Officer:	Name:	Emily Fountain	Tel:	(01273) 292143
	Email:	emily.fountain@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected:		Wish

1.         PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT

1.1       To determine an application for a New Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Hove Fitness Club.

2.         RECOMMENDATIONS:    

2.1       That the Panel determine an application for a New Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Hove Fitness Club.

3. CONTEXT/BACKGROUND INFORMATION & CONSULTATION

3.1 The application is for a New Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The application proposes

A fitness club, providing classes and gym facilities with cafe and would like to sell alcohol as we are a social club.

3.2 Section M (Operating Schedule) of the application is detailed at Appendix A and new plan of the premises is attached at Appendix B

3.3 Summary table of proposed activities

4.

	Proposed
Recorded Music	Every day: 12:00 – 22:00
Supply of Alcohol (on the premises)	Every day: 12:00 – 22:00
Hours premises are open to public	Monday – Friday: 06:00 – 22:00 Saturday – Sunday: 07:00 – 22:00

4.1 The premises does not fall in the Cumulative Impact Area or the Special Stress Area.

Representations received

4.2 Details of the representations made are notified to applicants on receipt by the Licensing Authority using a pro-forma. A summary appears below:

4.3 2 representations were received. They were received from local residents

4.4 Representations received had concerns relating to Prevention of Public Nuisance and Protection of Children from Harm.

4.5 Full details of the representations are attached at Appendix C.  A map detailing the location of the premises is attached at Appendix D.

5. COMMENTARY ON THE LICENSING POLICY

5.1 The following extracts from Brighton & Hove City Council Statement of Licensing Policy are considered relevant to this application and are numbered as they appear in the policy:

1 Introduction

1.1 This Statement of Licensing Policy has been prepared in accordance with the

provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) and having regard to Guidance

issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the act. This policy takes effect

from the 4th February 2021. The licensing authority is Brighton & Hove City Council.

The purpose of this statement is to promote the licensing objectives and set out a

general approach to making licensing decisions. The discretion of the licensing

authority in relation to applications under the act is only engaged if ‘relevant

representations’ are made by other persons or responsible authorities. This policy

will inform the approach to be taken when deciding applications and imposing

conditions when relevant representations are received. It is also intended as a

guide for applicants as to what to include in their operating schedules, always

recognising that if no representations are received, the application must be granted.

The licensing authority must carry out its functions with a view to promoting the

licensing objectives and this policy is framed around those objectives. Each

application will be given individual consideration on its merit. The scope of this

policy covers the following:

• Retail sales of alcohol.

• The supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club, or to the order of, a member of

   the club.

• The provision of regulated entertainment.

• The provision of late night refreshment.

1.2 The licensing objectives are:

(a) the prevention of crime and disorder.

(b) public safety.

(c) the prevention of public nuisance; and

(d) the protection of children from harm.

1.3 Scope

1.3.1 Licensing is about regulating licensable activities on licensed premises, by

qualifying clubs and at temporary events. Any conditions attached to various

authorisations will be focused on matters which are within the control of individual

licensees and others with relevant authorisations, i.e. the premises and its vicinity.

Each application will be given individual consideration on its merit. Nothing in this

policy shall undermine the right of any individual to apply under the terms of the act

for a variety of permissions and to have any such application considered on its

individual merits. Similarly, nothing in this policy shall override the right of any

person to make representations on an application or seek a review of a licence or

certificate where provision has been made for them to do so in the act.

3.3 The Matrix Approach

The Licensing Authority will support:

3.3.1 Diversity of premises: ensures that there is a mix of the different types of licensed

premises and attracts a more diverse range of customers from different age groups,

different communities and with different attitudes to alcohol consumption. It gives

potential for positively changing the ambience of the city or an area of it. This will

have a positive effect in reducing people’s fear of crime and in increasing the

number of evening visitors to the city centre. The Community Safety Strategy

recognises that too many single uses in a confined area and patrons turning out

onto the streets at the same time may create opportunities for violent crime and

public disorder and therefore supports mixed use venues encouraging a wider age

balance.

3.3.2 A “matrix” approach to licensing decisions has been adopted and is set out below. It provides a framework of what the licensing authority would like to see within its area

and gives an indication of the likelihood of success or otherwise to investor and

businesses making applications.

Matrix approach for licensing decisions in a Statement of Licensing Policy (times relates to

licensable activities)

	Cumulative Impact Area	Special Stress Area	Other Areas
Restaurant	Yes (midnight)	Yes (midnight)	Yes (midnight)
Café	Yes (10 pm)	Yes (10 pm)	Yes (10 pm)
Late Night Takeaways	No	Yes (midnight)	Yes (midnight)
Night Club	No	No	No
Pub	No	Yes (11pm)	Yes (midnight)
Non-alcohol lead (e.g. Theatre)	Yes (favourable)	Yes (favourable)	Yes (favourable)
Off-licence	No	No	Yes (Up to 11pm but if in densely residential area may be earlier – see note 7 below)
Members Club (club premises certificate)	Yes (<100 capacity) (11pm)	Yes (<100 capacity) (11pm)	Yes

Notes on matrix

Subject to the following notes, the policy, as represented in the matrix, will be

strictly adhered to:

1) Each application will be considered on individual merit

2) Applications within the CIZ are subject to the special policy on cumulative impact at

para 3.1, and those within the special stress area to the special stress policy

considerations at para 3.2.

3) Departure from the matrix policy is expected only in exceptional circumstances

4) Exceptional circumstances will not include quality of management or size of venue

except where explicitly stated in policy matrix.

5) Exceptional circumstances may include: consultation with and meeting

requirements of responsible authorities, an appropriate corporate social

responsibility policy, community contribution to offset impact (such as financial

contribution to infrastructure), community support, alcohol sale ancillary to business

activity (demonstrable to responsible authorities and licensing authority, for instance

by licence condition allowing authorised officers access to sales accounts).

6) The following licensing activities are encouraged and valued by the licensing

authority: outdoor regulated entertainment, community based street parties,

members clubs, traditional pubs outside the city centre and non-alcohol led

licensable activities, particularly within city centre.

7) Other Areas; consideration will be given to the nature of the area and location in

relation to any application. In a residential area for example the concerns of local

residents will be relevant when considering applications for off-licences, pubs or

cafes, especially if there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, street drinking or

underage drinking. Earlier closing times may be appropriate. Regard will be had to

the Public Health Framework for assessing alcohol licensing on our website

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/licensingact.

8) In an area where there are already several existing off-licences or where the

premises is situated within a parade with another off licence and where

representations are received about negative cumulative impact on the licensing

objectives of a further premises, the application may be refused on these grounds

or restrictions placed on the terminal hour to reflect opening hours of other shops.

9) Outdoor events will be supported where arranged through the council’s event

planning process. Generally, regulated entertainment in the open air including tents

and marquees should have a maximum closure hour of 2300. Earlier hours may be

imposed in sensitive open spaces or near residential areas. The licensing authority

will have regard to Noise Council guidance.

10) Non-alcohol led category does not include “alcohol in shared workplaces”. It is

recommended that sale of alcohol in shared workspaces should have a terminal

hour of no later than10pm. For further advice and guidance on “alcohol in shared

workplaces” please see paragraph 3.3.4-3.3.6.

5.2 Care, control and supervision of premises

4.3.1 The Licensing authority supports the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and

other approved schemes. Where appropriate, premises licence holders should be

members of the BCRP for the deterrence to violent crime that such membership

provides. The BCRP NightSafe radio scheme is normally expected as an

operational requirement for city centre bars, clubs and pubs and is an example of

good practice in achieving the aim of reducing crime and disorder and improving

public safety. Well managed pub-watch schemes provide information exchange

between the premises licence holders and responsible authorities that reduce and

deter violent crime and disorder. The council will support a responsible licensing

scheme.

4.3.2 The effective management and supervision of a venue is a key factor in reducing

crime and disorder, both within it and outside. The police will consider the

applicants, objecting to the application where appropriate. The police may suggest

crime prevention measures in relation to, for example, the internal layout of the

premises, closed-circuit television, help points, lighting and security staff. The

police may ask for conditions which support such measures to be imposed when

licensing applications are granted, eg type of licence, capacity, operating hours

restrictions.

4.3.3 Following the grant of a licence, the management and supervision of the premises, in so far as it might impact on crime and disorder, will continue to be monitored. Particular attention will be paid to any licensed premises where there is evidence of criminal activity or any association with racist or homophobic crime. The licensing authority will keep itself well briefed on the nature, location and type of premises where alcohol related violence and disorder are occurring so it can take full account of the facts and avoid exacerbating problems as required by the Community Safety Strategy. Where licensed premises are found to cause nuisance or be associated with disorder or unreasonable disturbance, the review process may be invoked, and powers of revocation or the imposition of conditions may be considered. Conditions may include use of closed-circuit television, licensed door supervisors and earlier closing times. Such action to restrict the operation may be taken for trial periods to allow businesses an opportunity to remedy existing disorder, nuisance or

disturbance.

4.3.4 This policy recognises the use of registered Door Supervisors All Door Supervisors will be licensed by the Security Industry Authority. Mobile security units and similar systems are in use by some premises operators as a means of providing security cover at very short notice at premises which may not normally require a permanent security presence. This policy endorses the use of units following such guidance and standards in appropriate circumstances.

4.3.5 The development of codes of practice and general operating standards for security companies is encouraged for local businesses; premises operators are urged to

ensure that security services, when engaged, are provided by suitably qualified

businesses operating to recognised standards and who should be working towards

SIA accreditation.

4.3.6 Enforcement will be achieved by the enforcement policy appended (Appendix B).

6 Prevention of Public Nuisance

The following details and measures are intended to address the need for the prevention of public nuisance which may be associated with licensed premises and certificated club

premises:

6.1.1 In determining applications for new and varied licences, regard will be had to the

location of premises, the type and construction of the building and the likelihood of

nuisance and disturbance to the amenity of nearby residents by reason of noise

from within the premises, as a result of people entering or leaving the premises or

from individuals or groups of customers gathered outside (eg in order to smoke).

6.1.2 Applications for new licences or for the extension in size of licensed premises

should not normally be granted if the premises will use amplified or live music and

operate within or abutting premises containing residential accommodation except

that occupied by staff of the licensed premises. A condition may be imposed on new

licences that entertainment noise shall be inaudible in any residence. Noise

emanating from within licensed premises should not normally be audible outside.

6.1.3 Installation of sound limiting equipment and sound insulation may be required to

minimise disturbance to the amenity of nearby residents by reason of noise from the

licensed premises.

6.1.4 Generally, regulated entertainment in the open air including tents and marquees

should have a maximum closure hour of 2300. Earlier hours may be imposed in

sensitive open spaces or near residential areas. The Licensing Authority will have

regard to Noise Council guidance.

6.1.5 In determining applications for new licences or extensions in hours or terminal

hours of licensed premises, regard will be had to late night public transport

availability and location of taxi ranks to aid dispersal of customers.

6.1.6 Reasonable controls are available to all premises operators to minimise the impact of noise from customers outside. The council’s Environmental Health Department has issued guidance on a number of steps that can be taken in this respect which are endorsed by this policy (see 6.2 below).

6.2 Smoking Advice

6.2.1   Premises licence holders will be expected to:

· Develop a management plan on how to manage smoking on your premises and ensure that all staff are aware of the contents of this plan, and that it is effectively implemented.  Noise from people smoking and talking can be intermittent, vary in character and volume and be intrusive.  An effective smoking management plan will help prevent neighbours being disturbed.

· Comply with any planning conditions restricting the use of outdoor areas.

· Ensure that any structures used by smokers comply with the design criteria detailed in the Heath Act 2006 and that any structures, awnings, retractable canopies, etc. have the relevant planning permission. 

· Ensure any new lighting to outdoor areas must be designed so as not to cause a light nuisance to neighbours and again have the relevant planning permission and building control consent.

· Ensure that the conditions on the premises licence are complied with.  There may be conditions restricting the hours of use of gardens and outdoor areas.  Having reviewed the contents of the premises licence you may find it necessary to request a variation of your licence.

· Licence tables and chairs on the Public Highway under the provisions of the Highways Act 1980.  These licences may have conditions restricting the times that the area can be used.

· Ensure drinks, glasses and bottles are not taken onto the highway unless there is a tables and chairs licence permitting use.  A system should be adopted to prevent theft and ‘spiking’ of drinks and reminding customers not to leave unattended items.

· Discourage smokers remaining in gardens and outdoor areas and determine terminal hours. 

· Discourage smokers remaining outside by removing/disabling tables and chairs or prohibiting their use after a certain time.  Lights and heaters will also be turned off.

· Introduce a system that after a certain time the number of smokers outside are restricted to a maximum number.  Staff will be needed to manage this restriction.

· Employ staff and/or SIA registered door supervisors to manage doors and control customers and smokers entering and leaving the premises.  Staff positioned on the doors can help to encourage customers not to cause a noise problem.  It may be that staff are required to manage doors after a certain time, particularly during the hours when neighbouring residents are trying to sleep.

· Ensure door supervisors maintain order outside venues and protect customer safety. BCRP supports the use of Night Safe.  Radio net and other pager systems and pub watch schemes can be used to provide for rapid police response and alert other venues where customers and staff are endangered.

· Position signs to remind customers that the premises is in an area where people live.  It is not always obvious in busy commercial streets with flats above.  By changing the design and wording of signs customers do not forget.  Signs can be located in and outside the premises and on tables.

· Use CCTV to manage outside areas.

6.2.2   Licensed premises should normally display prominent, legible signs at exits reminding customers to leave in a quiet, peaceful, orderly manner.

7 Protection of Children from Harm

The following details and measures are intended to address the need for the protection of children from harm; this includes emotional and physical harm which may be associated with licensed premises and certificated club premises (for example the exposure too early to strong language and sexual expletives, eg in the context of film exhibitions or where adult entertainment is provided). It is intended that the admission of children to premises holding a premises licence or club premises certificate should normally be freely allowed without restricting conditions (unless the 2003 Act itself imposes such conditions or there are good reasons to restrict entry or to exclude children completely).

7.1.1 Licensees should note the concern of the authority that drink related disorder

frequently involves under 18’s. To prevent illegal purchases of alcohol by such

persons, all licensees should work with a suitable ‘proof of age’ scheme and ensure

that appropriate identification is requested prior to entry and when requesting

alcohol, where appropriate. Appropriate forms of identification are currently

considered to be those recommended by police, trading standards officers and their

partners in the Licensing Strategy Group (eg passport, photo driving licence or pass

card).

7.1.2 It is the licensing authority’s expectation that all staff responsible for the sale of

intoxicating liquor receive information and advice on the licensing laws relating to

children and young persons in licensed premises. Licensed premises staff are

required to take reasonable steps to prevent under age sales. The licensing

authority will not seek to limit the access of children to any premises unless it is

necessary for the prevention of emotional or psychological harm to them. Each

application will be considered on its own merit but particular areas that will give rise

to concern in respect of children are to be found in section 7.1.4 below.

7.1.3 To reduce alcohol-induced problematic behaviour by under 18 year olds, to enforce underage purchase and drinking laws and to assist in the protection of children from harm, the licensing authority supports the following measures:-

a) Police should exercise powers (Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act

1997) to remove alcohol from young people on the street

b) Police and trading standards should implement test purchasing to reduce

sales to under 18s in on and off sales licensed premises

c) Further take-up of proof of age schemes will be promoted

d) In-house, mystery shopper type schemes operated by local businesses will be

supported

e) Providers of events specifically catering for unaccompanied children should

           consider whether all staff at such events need to be DBS checked

7.1.4 The licensing authority will not seek to require that access to any premises is given to children at all times – under normal circumstances this will be left to the

discretion of the licensee. The following areas give rise to concern in respect of

children, who will normally be excluded from premises:

• where there have been convictions for serving alcohol to minors or with a

reputation for underage drinking.

• with a known association with drug taking or dealing.

• where there is a strong element of gambling on the premises.

• where entertainment of an adult or sexual nature is commonly provided.

• where premises are used primarily or exclusively for the sale and consumption

of alcohol and there is little or no seating for patrons.

Options may include:

• limitations on the hours when children may be present.

• age limitations (below 18).

• limitations or exclusions when certain activities are taking place.

• requirements for an accompanying adult.

• full exclusion of people under 18.

7.1.7 Trading standards and the police undertake ongoing enforcement operations

around under-age sales and test purchasing. Sussex Police and BCRP undertake

work concerning proxy purchases and counterfeit ID as part of the partnership

support work with Community Safety and Trading Standards.

7.1.8 Trading standards have a programme of business support including training for

local businesses to avoid under-age sales.

8 Integration of Strategies

8.1.1 The licensing authority shall secure the proper integration of this policy with local

crime prevention, planning policy, transport, tourism and cultural strategies by:-

• Liaising and consulting with the Sussex Police, Community Safety Forum,

Sustainability Commission representatives and following the guidance in

community safety and crime and disorder strategy

• Liaising and consulting with Public and Alcohol Programme Board

• Liaising and consulting with the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

• Liaising and consulting with the Local Strategic Partnership, Safety Advisory

Group (Emergency Planning) and Equalities and Social Justice Consultation

Forum

• Liaising and consulting with the Planning authority

• Liaising and consulting with the Highways authority

• Liaising and consulting with local business and business associations. Having

regard to any future documents issued relating to the Private Security Industry

Act 2001, for example liaison or information sharing protocols

• Liaising and consulting with the Trading Standards Team, for example with

regard to test purchasing codes of practice

8.1.2 In line with statutory requirements and the council’s Inclusion Policy, the Licensing

Authority shall have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, and

to promote equality of opportunity and positive relations between persons of diverse

backgrounds, for example communities of interest such as: lesbian, gay, bisexual

and transgender people; disabled people; racial and ethnic groups; religious and

faith groups.

8.1.3 This policy supports the aims of the tourism strategy, recognising the benefits for

the tourism economy of creating a safer and more attractive city centre and

improving competitiveness with other European cities. The Licensing Committee

should receive any reports relevant to the needs of the local tourist economy and

the cultural strategy for the area to ensure that it considers these matters.

8.1.4 The Licensing Committee should receive relevant information relating to the

employment situation of the area and the need for new investment and employment

where appropriate.

8.1.5 Specific conditions may be attached to premises licences to reflect local crime

prevention strategies. Such conditions may include the use of closed circuit

television cameras, use of the NightSafe radio system or accredited scheme, the

provision and use of shatterproof drinking receptacles, drugs and weapons search

policy, the use of registered door supervisors, specialised lighting requirements,

hours of opening. Certificates issued to club premises shall reflect local crime

prevention strategies and may include any or all of the requirements listed above.

8.1.6 The licensing authority will have regard to the need to disperse people quickly and

safely from the city centre to avoid concentrations which may produce disorder and

disturbance.

8.3    Enforcement

8.3.1 The Enforcement of licensing law and inspection of licensed premises is detailed in the Protocol between Sussex Police, the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and

Brighton & Hove City Council. This protocol reflects the need for more efficient

deployment of Police and Local Authority staff commonly engaged in licensing

enforcement and can be found at Appendix D (Lead Agency Status) of the

Statement of Licensing Policy. In addition, the Licensing Authority will have regard to

its published Licensing Enforcement Policy in making enforcement decisions in

accordance with Brighton & Hove City Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy

(Appendix B). In order to better target enforcement resources, inspections will be

undertaken outside of normal office hours and the sharing of information between

all enforcement agencies will be encouraged through joint meetings or similar

arrangements.

8.3.2 Attention is drawn to the targeting of agreed problem and high risk premises

requiring greater attention as identified in the protocol. A number of other council

and government policies, strategies and guidance documents must be taken into

account to complement the policy, including:

• Community Safety & Crime Reduction Strategy

• Drugs and alcohol strategies – local alcohol harm reduction strategy

• Objectives of the Security Industry Authority

• The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003/ASBPC Act 2014

• The Health Act 2006

• The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006

• Policing and Crime Act 2009

APPENDIX A – Licensing Best Practice Measures

Best Practice Measures to be included for consideration, in particular in SSA:

Matters that would normally be expected in operating schedules:

· the adoption of a policy (e.g. Challenge 25) with acceptable proof of ID as

per existing Statement of Licensing Policy

· all off sales to be made in sealed containers for consumption away from

the premises

· a smoking policy which includes an assessment of noise and litter created

by premises users

· the use of plastic or polycarbonate drinking vessels and containers,

especially in outside areas or after specified hours

· a policy in relation to searching customers and for drugs, weapons, seized

or lost and found property

· use of a refusals book for registering attempts to buy alcohol by under-age

persons or refusals to those intoxicated

· the installation of a digital CCTV system by liaison with, and to a standard

approved by, Sussex Police

· policies for dispersal of customers which may include signage regarding

taxi services’ telephone numbers and advice to respect neighbours and

minimize noise

Items to which positive consideration would be given:

· membership of Business Crime Reduction Partnership, Pubwatch,

Neighbourhood Watch or similar schemes

· use of ‘Night Safe’ radio system or similar accredited scheme

· regular training and reminders for staff in respect of licensing legislation,

policies and procedures; records of which should be properly recorded and

available for inspection

• records of regular checks of all parts of the premises in relation to drug

use

• systems in place to ensure details of barred clients are exchanged with

other operators

• giving an agreed minimum notice of special events (screening of major

sports events, birthday parties, adult entertainment, etc.) to relevant

authorities and use of appropriate additional measures at such events

Recommend best practice for both on and off premises

• Staff must be aware of the risk of the problem of proxy sales and offer assistance to responsible authorities to deter offences

• Signage on premises should set out legal duties

• Voluntary restriction of high strength alcohol – operating schedules may be used to limit high ABV beers and ciders

• Staff training – in addition to personal licence holders training, staff must be

adequately trained for duties

• Challenge 25 would be the norm, particularly in the off licence trade

• Signage – proxy sale – deterrence

5.         FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:

Financial Implications:

5.1 The Licensing Act 2003 provides for fees to be payable to the licensing authority in respect of the discharge of their functions. The fee levels are set centrally at a level to allow licensing authorities to fully recover the costs of administration, inspection and enforcement of the regime.

            Finance Officer Consulted Michael Bentley                                Date: 20/05/24

Legal Implications:

5.2 The licensing authority must act to promote the four licensing objectives which are:

· The prevention of crime and disorder

· Public safety

· The prevention of public nuisance

· The protection of children from harm

The licensing authority must have regard to its statement of licensing policy and the guidance issued by the Secretary of State in carrying out its functions.

Lawyer Consulted: Rebecca Sidell                                               Date: 20/05/24

Equalities Implications:

5.3 Diversity is valued and strong, safe communities are vital to future prosperity. Licensing policy aims to protect children from harm including sale and supply of alcohol to children.

Sustainability Implications:

5.4       Licensing policy aims to prevent public nuisance and develop culture of live music, dancing and theatre.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Appendices:

1.         Appendix A – Section M (Operating Schedule)

2.         Appendix B – Plan of Premises

3.         Appendix C – Representations

4.         Appendix D – Map of Area

Documents in Members’ Rooms

Brighton & Hove City Council, Licensing Act 2003: Statement of Licensing Policy 2021.

Home Office, Revised Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, December 2023.

Public Health Framework for Assessing Alcohol Licensing – January 2022.

Background Documents

Brighton & Hove City Council, Licensing Act 2003: Statement of Licensing Policy 2021.