UPDATED PLEASE READ – Premises License Statement
We realise that a lack of information prior to Hawkhurst Parish Councils (HPC) application for a premises license for the KGV has caused concern to our residents. Whilst HPC cannot undertake the consultation under the Licensing Act 2003, we should have taken steps to explain our decision to residents.
The current situation is that to hold an event, the organiser has to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). This allows the same licensable activities as a premises license but is restricted to 499 people. This includes staff, volunteers, musicians etc as well as members of the public.
The success of recent community events such as the Diamond Jubilee, Coronation Celebrations, D-Day 80th Anniversary and the Summer Fete has meant on occasions this limit has been breached. HPC wants to build on this with our celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day next May. We are hoping this will be a huge community event in the spirit of the VE Day 80 theme – a shared moment of celebration. A premises license will mean that we do not have to restrict the numbers of residents who can share in this important event.
HPC is not intending to change the way in which the KGV is used it simply means the Council can offer more to the village they serve and the many charities and groups that work so hard to bring events such as the fete. The Council are applying for a license for a year after which the implications will be reviewed, and the Council will decide whether to continue with the Premises License. HPC is hoping the Premises License will be in place from autumn in time for the bonfire.
If the Premises License is not granted HPC will continue to hold events under a TEN however if this license is granted it will give HPC more control over what happens on our premises and avoid future inadvertent breaches.
Residents will see another copy of the notice for the Premises License, we can assure you the application has not been altered in any way. Sevenoaks Borough Council (the Licensing Authority) have started the consultation again which has meant we have to run new public notices.
