Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Chair opened the meeting, introducing the Licensing Sub-Committee Members. He advised that the hearing had been convened to consider an application for a Premises Licence – The Silk Lounge.

The Councillors present declared they had no personal or prejudicial interests in the application.

The Lead Licensing Officer introduced all Officers present including Paul Butler, Police Licensing Officer, who was representing the Police as a Responsible Authority.

The Chair asked the applicant to identify himself along with any representatives and witnesses.

The Chair asked the objectors to identify themselves.

The four objectors identified themselves confirming whether they were speaking as themselves or as a representative of another. They each identifies that their objection was personal.

The Chair explained the procedure and purpose of the meeting.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide the sub-Committee with information relating to an application for a premises licence for The Silk Lounge, 6 Cooper Street, Bideford to enable the sub-Committee to determine the application.

The Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer for his report and asked the panel if they had any questions for the Lead Licensing Officer.

Councillor Hackett asked when the applicant began using the premises licence. The Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that the applicant has used the licence since June 2025. The applicant added that he had worked as a doorman since 2018, and discussions about taking over ownership began in January 2025, with the change being implemented in June 2025.

The applicant and his representatives were invited to put forward their case.

The applicant confirmed that there are no plans to change how the property is currently used.

The Chair asked the panel if they had any questions for the applicant. There were no questions at this time.

The Chair invited the objectors to make their representation.

The first objector, Ms L Kinkaid, spoke as representative of Ms S Stagg. She addressed the Committee by reading a letter that outlined Ms Stagg’s concerns. She raised issues regarding noise nuisance caused by loud live and recorded music and stated that it has led to sleep deprivation and ill health. It was highlighted that the current premises licence classifies the passageway on the site as an enclosed area which has contributed to the amplification of music. It was mentioned that Ms Stagg has approached Torridge District Council for alternative accommodation. Matters regarding  accessibility were raised, specifically in relation to the usage of noise monitoring equipment. Overall, Ms S Stagg requested a review of the premises licence, and for the panel to consider the music, and the classification of indoor/outdoor areas. The representative then read a letter on behalf of Ms S Stagg’s daughter which expanded on these concerns.

Ms J Collino, as representative for Mr D Millar read aloud a letter which detailed his concerns as resident. The letter explained the objectives that the Committee need to consider and provided examples of nuisance, distress, and inconvenience. The letter considered the duration of the music as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.