Agenda item
Application for a Time Limited Premises licence for Victoria Park, Grove Road London E9 7DE
Minutes:
At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the application for a time limited premises licence for Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E9 7DE. It was noted that objections had been received by a ward councillor and a local resident, there had also been supporting representations from local residents.
At the request of the Chair, Mr Simon Taylor, Legal Representative on behalf of the Applicant, gave a brief history of the company AEG, a global leader in organising large scale events and festivals. He explained that the events held in 2018 and 2019 had been successful and had even been acknowledged by the Police for the low level of crimes etc.
He referred Members to page 22 of the agenda, which detailed a few changes to the current existing licence. It was proposed that in 2021, on major event days, the capacity is to increase to 45,000 on a Friday and Saturday (for up to 4 days) and 2 days with no more than a capacity of 39,999. In 2022 and 2023 no more than four 4 days there may be a capacity not exceeding 49,000 and minor event days/ community events capacity is to be reduced from 14,999 to 12,499. It was also noted that there would be a new bigger entrance to help easier access into the park.
Mr Taylor said that the size of the park could accommodate the increase in growth, with this, facilities would increase as well as staff/medical supplies/security and transport features. It was noted that expert modelling stress testing had been conducted and it was concluded that there was ample availability for the proposed increase in numbers. Mr Taylor highlighted that there had been no representation from Responsible Authorities and that regular multi-agency meetings were undertaken, which included representatives from Transport for London, Police, Licensing and Fire Authority. It was noted that all existing conditions would remain and channels to receive messages, emails, and a complaints and information line will all be made available during the events. Letter drops to local residents would also be made with information regarding the events and information contact details.
It was noted that speakers would be directed away from residential properties and sound checks would be made as is required as part of the conditions. It was also noted that there had been one complaint about the noise in 2018 and this was dealt with immediately and as a result there was no complaints in 2019. The security plan was noted with details of the number of security staff on site. Mr Taylor confirmed that the children’s play areas in the park would still be available and from past events its shown that the most tickets purchased were from residents living in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.
It was noted that the objectors were not present for the meeting therefore their written objections were considered and noted.
In response to questions the following was noted;
- The reason for the increase in capacity was to attract better headline acts so as to increase financially stability; there was significant competition and a huge loss during pandemic last year, also improvements made to infrastructure and therefore cost would need to be recovered.
- The capacity for community events had been reduced, as a result of take up from previous events and therefore a reduction in capacity would help with unnecessary strain on resources.
- That there had been no response from the objectors despite attempts at mediation.
- The entrance site had been improved and made bigger.
- Concerns raised about noise complaints in 2018 had been due to adverse weather conditions during those particular days; sound was then adjusted by noise experts who had been taking measurements.
- That there would be 246 supervisors in place and will be positioned at agreed points, decided by the Multi-Agency Team.
- There would be 5 emergency response teams in place during events.
- There would be dedicated stewards only dealing with egress and positioned through the route to transport hubs.
- Stewards would also be deployed to known hotspot areas.
- That the number of security staff was proportionate to the expected number of guests.
- Average response to complaints or incidents would be immediate as phone lines etc would be live during events, officer would then be able to deploy the relevant staff to the incident areas.
- That Licensing Officers and Environmental Health Officer also work on the events to ensure compliance and conditions are adhered to.
- Temporary toilets would be placed at egress sites and along transport routes and areas where public urination is reported. These areas would be cleaned as part of the cleaning process.
Concluding remarks were made by Mr Taylor.
The Licensing Objectives
In considering the application, Members were required to consider the same in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (as amended), the Licensing Objectives, the Home Office Guidance and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and in particular to have regard to the promotion of the four licensing objectives:
- The Prevention of Crime and Disorder;
- Public Safety;
- The Prevention of Public Nuisance; and
- The Protection of Children from Harm.
Consideration
Each application must be considered on its own merits. The Chair confirmed that the Sub-Committee had carefully considered all of the evidence before them and heard oral representations at the meeting in person and virtually made by the Applicants, and the Applicant’s Legal Representative. None of those making representations were present at the meeting. However, their written representation was read and considered by the Sub-Committee when making its decision.
The Sub-Committee noted that the objections and concerns raised in relation to the negative effects on nearby residents due to previous events held at the park causing crime and disorder, and in particular public nuisance in the form of noise nuisance, with particular regard to egress and dispersal, and related matters such as litter and public urination.
Members questioned how complaints and incidents from previous events had been dealt with and upon questioning received a detailed explanation of how incidents would be logged and managed and welcomed the introduction of more rapid response units to specifically deal with complaints or incidents that may occur. This gave members assurance that there would be measures in place to address any concerns raised during and after the event and that the event would be well managed. Members noted also that letters had been sent by the Applicant to those who had made objections and inviting dialogue. The Sub-Committee was informed that meetings had also been held with members of the local community.
The Sub-Committee acknowledged the Applicant’s efforts and willingness to work with responsible authorities and offering a robust set of conditions which would help alleviate the concerns raised by the objectors. The Sub-Committee was confident in the Applicant’s ability to uphold all four licensing objectives and that the proposed conditions would suffice to ensure the promotion of the licensing objectives.
Therefore, Members made a decision and the decision was unanimous. Members granted the application with conditions.
Accordingly, the Sub-Committee unanimously
RESOLVED
That the application for a Time Limited Premises Licence for Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E9 7DEbe GRANTED with conditions.
A Time Limited Premises Licence for Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E9 7DE from the 1st May 2021 to 31st December 2023.
The sale by retail of alcohol (on sales only):
· Monday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:15 hrs
· Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10:00 hrs to 21:30 hrs
· Thursday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:15 hrs
· Friday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:45 hrs
· Saturday, from 12:00 hrs to 22:45 hrs
· Sunday, from 12:00 hrs to 22:15 hrs
Non-standard timings.
- Where event days fall on Bank Holiday weekends then the applicant wishes to be able to supply alcohol on a Major Event on the Bank Holiday Monday between the hours of 12:00-22:15. Otherwise on a Minor Event the supply of alcohol on the Bank Holiday Monday will be between the hours of 10:00-21:30
- For Thursdays, should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to supply alcohol between the hours of 12:00 and 22:15. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 10:00-21:30.
- For Fridays, should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to supply alcohol between the hours of 12:00 and 22:45. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 10:00-21:30.
- For Saturdays should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to supply alcohol between the hours of 12:00 and 22:45. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 12:00-21:30.
- For Sundays should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to supply alcohol between the hours of 12:00 and 22:15. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 12:00-21:30.
The provision of regulated entertainment – Indoors and outdoors
(Plays, Films, Indoor sporting events, Boxing or Wrestling. Live Music, Recorded Music, Performance of Dance and Anything of a Similar Description):
· Monday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs
· Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10:00 hrs to 21:30 hrs
· Thursday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs
· Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs
· Sunday, from 10:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs
Non-standard timings.
- For all Minor Events licensable activities will be restricted to the hours of 10:00 – 21:30 hours.
- Where event days fall on Bank Holiday weekends then the applicant wishes to be able to operate a Major Event on the Bank Holiday Monday between the hours of 12:00-22:30. Otherwise a Minor Event may operate on the Bank Holiday Monday between the hours of 10:00-21:30 hours.
- For Thursdays and Sundays, should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to operate between the hours of 12:00 and 22:30. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 10:00-21:30.
- For Fridays and Saturdays, should a Major Event take place, then the applicant wishes to be able to operate between the hours of 12:00 and 23:00. Otherwise should a Minor Event take place, the hours will be 10:00-21:30.
Conditions
1. In 2021 Major Event Day capacity on no more than four (4) days is proposed to increase to 45,000 on a Friday and Saturday only.
2. In 2021 Major Event Day capacity on no more than two (2) event days may be at a capacity not exceeding 39,999 (Major Event) and may only take place on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
3. In 2022 and 2023 on no more than four (4) days there may be a capacity not exceeding 49,999 and the event may only take place on a Friday and Saturday.
4. On no more than two (2) event days there may be a capacity not exceeding 39,999 on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
5. Days not used for Major Events may be at capacity not exceeding 12,499.
6. Thursday is added as an optional Major Event Day.
7. Minor Event Day capacity is reduced from 14,999 to 12,499.
8. A Covid-19 mitigation plan is now included in the Event Management and Operating Plan (EMOP).
9. Counter-terrorism mitigation measures have been added to the EMOP.
10. A maximum often (10)event daysmay beoperated underthis licencein each calendaryear.
11. Major Event dayswill takeplace onlyon Fridays,Saturday, Sundaysor Bank HolidayMondays, exceptwhere otherwiseapproved bythe MultiAgency Planning Group
12. Eachyear, thePremises Licenceholder willundertake afull anddetailed consultation witheach ofthe responsibleauthorities. Thisconsultation willtake place through aMulti-Agency PlanningGroup (Chairedby theLocal Authority)in the lead up to, and during the event.
13. Each year, atleast 4months priorto thefirst eventdate, thePremises Licenceholder willnotify theLicensing Authorityof theproposed datesfor thatyears events.
14. Each year, atleast 3months priorto thefirst eventdate, thePremises Licenceholder willproduce adraft EventManagement &Operating Plan(EMOP) containing detailappropriate tothe Event.This willalso includea detailedplan of thesite.
15. TheFinal EventManagement andOperating Plan(EMOP) mustbe approvedby the Multi-AgencyPlanning Group,at leastone monthprior tothe firstevent date. Thereafter,no changeswill bemade tothe EMOPwithout theprior written consentof theLicensing Authority. Anychanges duringthe eventcan onlybe madewith theconsent ofthe Event Liaison Team(ELT).
16. Foreach eventthe finalEMOP (includingthe planof thesite) willbe implemented andcomplied withby thePremises Licenseholder.
17. Throughoutthe eventopen periodthe PremisesLicence holder willmaintain an EventControl Roomto managethe event.
18. Adebrief meetingwill beundertaken annuallyafter thefinal eventdate;
19. ThePremises Licenceholder willimplement anevent andpre-event communicationsstrategy toprovide anti-crimemessaging anddrugs awareness adviceto ticketholders;
20. ThePremises Licenceholder willuse screeningon theentry pointsto theevent, to exercisethe rightto refuseentry toany unauthorizedor disorderlyperson;
21. ThePremises Licenceholder willimplement variousoperations todisrupt the misuse ofdrugs amongstthose proposingto attendthe event,and tosupport the EventOrganiser’s“zero toleranceto drugs”policy;
22. Inconjunction withthe MetropolitanPolice andother responsibleauthorities, eachyear thePremises Licenceholder willproduce;
· CrowdManagement Plan
· AlcoholManagement Plan
· IngressManagement Plan
· EgressManagement Plan
· Security& CrimeReduction Plan
23. Inconjunction withLBTH Health& Safetyand otherresponsible authorities,each year thePremises Licenceholder willproduce;
· RiskAssessment
· FireRisk Assessment
· Scheduleof TemporaryStructures
· Questionnaireand Inspectionschedule forFood Traders
· Rulesfor Sitecontractors
24. ThePremises Licenceholder willset upa publicisedmeeting eachyear withlocal residents priorto thefirst eventdate. Thismeeting willbe todiscuss plansfor the Eventand receiveresidents feedback.
25. ThePremises Licenceholder willset upa publicisedmeeting eachyear withlocal residents afterthe finalevent date.This meetingwill beto receiveresidents feedback;
26. Agerestrictions willapply toeach eventday, theage restrictionsfor eachevent day will beagreed inadvance withthe Multi-AgencyGroup andwill becontained within theEMOP
27. Allalcohol outletswill bemonitored bysecurity staffand barsmanagement team. Allbar staffwill receivetraining anddaily briefings;
28. ThePremises Licenceholder offersthe opportunityfor agenciesto visitthe site during thelive periodto demonstratethe licenceholders managementcontrols and experienceof theevent.
29. ThePremises Licenceholder willprovide thecontact numbersof theapplicants and theirappointed officers
30. ForMajor Events,the “MusicNoise Level”(MNL) measuredas aLAeq over any15- minute froman agreedpermanent noisemonitoring positionshall notexceed 75 dBA 15-minutes.
31. ForMinor Events,the “MusicNoise Level”(MNL) measuredas aLAeq over any15- minute froman agreedpermanent noisemonitoring positionshall notexceed 65
32. Thefollowing threepermanent noisemonitoring positionshave beenagreed (as detailedbelow), butshould itbe foundthat theseare notrepresentative ofthe site layout orresidential noiseimpact, thenthey maybe relocatedwith the agreement ofthe PremisesLicence holder andenvironmental health.The three agreed PermanentNoise MonitoringLocations are: i) Waterside Close,at theresidential façade. ii) Empire Wharf(within VictoriaPark) in-linewith thebuilding arch. ii)WetherellRoad (IveaghClose) DayNursery (withinVictoria Park).
33. Thesound systemand sitedesign shallbe reviewedto managecontainment ofsub- bass, soas notto causea public nuisance.
34. ThePremises Licenceholder shallappoint acompetent NoiseConsultant. The consultant willhave theability tomonitor musicnoise levelscompetently andwith the authorityto controlsound levelsto ensurecompliance withthe musicnoise conditions.
35. Adirect meansof communicationbetween theNoise Consultantand theOfficers of theEnvironmental HealthDepartment mustbe madeavailable. Theremust also bea separateradio channeldedicated tonoise control.
36. Inconsultation withthe Council’sEnvironmental HealthDepartment, thesound systems andother noisesources shallbe positionedso asto minimisenoise disturbance.
37. Inconjunction withthe CouncilsEnvironmental HealthDepartment, soundtests shall becarried outbefore theevent. Thiswill determinethe maximummusic noise levels thatcan prevailat agreedproxy monitoringpositions soas toensure compliance withthe agreednoise limits;
38. Apermanent noisemonitor shallbe placedat all“front ofhouse” soundmixer positions, this mustbe ableto measure15 minuteLAeq periods orless andprint or storethe results,Officers mustbe ableto viewall theresults atthe mixerposition during theevent. A copyof anynoise measurementsundertaken atpermanent soundmixer orthe 3 residentialmonitoring locationsmust beforwarded within10 workingdays tothe EnvironmentalHealth Department.
39. TheNoise Consultantshall beable todemonstrate anup todate calibration certificatefor allnoise metersused accordingto BS7580:1992 andbe aminimum type 2grade instrumentaccording toBS5969: 1981.
40. Erection,dismantling andcleaning operationsshould onlybe undertakenduring Council Policy workinghours Mon.– Fri8.00 a.m.– 6.00p.m. andSaturday 8.00a.m.– 1.00p.m. unlessotherwise agreedby priorconsent. Ifwork oroperations are agreedoutside ofthe abovehours acontact telephonenumber (notan answer phone) mustbe providedfor theperson incharge ofthese operations.
41. Whitenoise “Broadband”reversing alarmsshall beused onany forklifttruck or vehiclelikely toaffect anyresidential propertythroughout theoccupation ofthe park bythe PremisesLicence holder.
42. Anycomplaints receivedshould bedirected viaa centralcomplaints handlingsystem anddirected tothe CouncilOfficers andall concernedimmediately by secure phoneor messagingservice, notvia aninsecure wirelessradio system.The Council’s complaints procedurefor takingand loggingcomplaints mustbe followed atall times.
43. ThePremises Licenceholder shallcomply withany reasonableinstructions givenby the licensingauthority thatseek tocontrol noisenuisance.
44. Thenoise-consultant musthave asufficient numberof competentstaff withthe necessary authority, confirmedin writingby thelicensee tocontrol themusic noise levels. Thisnumber shouldbe agreedwith EnvironmentalHealth departmentin advance ofthe event.
45. ThePremises Licenceholder shallinvite arepresentative ofEnvironmental Protection Departmentto visitthe siteduring theevent liveperiod totake noise measurements andqualitatively assessthe impactof eventnoise onthe property, and forall partiesto usethis informationto drivefurther improvementsin the managementof theevent.
46. Noalcohol shallbe takenout ofthe licensedarea;
47. Anymobile dispensingservers (MDS)will beaccompanied bypersons notinvolved directly inserving alcohol.These otherpersons ('shepherds')will beresponsible, jointlywith thesellers andsecurity personnel,for ensuringthat mobileunits comply withthe Challenge25 policyused onsite, includingpreventing proxysales; and salesto intoxicatedcustomers;
48. Thelicensee mustensure thatall staffinvolved inMDS operationsare fullyaware of and understandthe requirementsof theLicensing Act2003 andall related conditionsapplicable tothe event.
49. MDSoperators mustcarry aclear indicationthat aChallenge 25protocol isin operation.
50. AChallenge 25Policy shallbe implemented,so thatbefore beingserved alcohol, identification bearingtheir photograph,date ofbirth, anda holographicmark is checked.Identification willinclude, forexample;
· Aphoto drivinglicence
· Apassport
· Aproof ofage cardbearing thePASS hologram.
51. Throughout the duration of the events (including sound checks, rehearsals and concert performances) the control limits set at the mixer position shall be adequate to ensure that the 63Hz and 125Hz octave frequency bands shall not exceed 75dB (LAeq 15 minutes) as a result of Music Noise level (MNL) beyond a 2km radius (distance measured from the main stage mixer position). The 63 Hz and 125 Hz octave frequency bands shall be assessed in a free field position at measurement points prescribed by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Environmental Health.
52. The noise consultant shall make use of a monitoring system that allows for real-time correlation between performance stages and off site monitoring locations.
Supporting documents:
- All Points East cover report, item 3.1 PDF 485 KB
- All Points East Appendices Only, item 3.1 PDF 4 MB
- Supporting Doc 1, item 3.1 PDF 62 KB
- Supporting Doc 2, item 3.1 PDF 64 KB
- Supporting Doc 3, item 3.1 PDF 62 KB