Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor K Maton be appointed as Chair for the hearing.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider an application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for Coventry Reggae Fever Festival, War Memorial Park,Coventry CV3 6PT

Note: The applicant and their representative have been invited to attend the

  hearing.

  Persons who have made representations have been invited to attend.

The City Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy is available on the Council’s website. Alternatively, please contact us if you require a hard copy.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of Coventry Reggae Fever Festival, War Memorial Park, Coventry CV3 6PT. The Application requested an annual three-day festival, with Supply of Alcohol and Regulated Entertainment, including amplified music. The Applicant sought to apply for a consecutive Friday, Saturday and Sunday in either June, July, August or September, with the date to be determined by Coventry City Council. The hours requested are 1100hrs to 2200hrs on each of the days of the festival.

One representation had been received objecting to the grant of the application on the basis that to do so would undermine the Licensing Objective of Prevention of Public Nuisance.

None of the Responsible Authorities had objected.

The Sub-Committee’s statutory duty was to consider the application and any representations and to take such steps as contained in the Licensing Act 2003 as it considered appropriate for the promotion of the Licensing Objectives.

The Licensing Officer gave a brief summary of the application and confirmed that all licensing formalities had been complied with.

The Applicant was given the opportunity to present his case. It was explained to the Sub Committee that a Caribbean festival had historically taken place in War Memorial Park but there had not been one for a number of years. Feedback from the community demonstrated a desire for it to be re-established in order to celebrate Caribbean culture and the contribution that many Caribbeans have made to the city of Coventry.

The Applicant had applied for a Premises Licence with a three-day variable window of delivery each year, running from Friday to Sunday. This being the first year, the Applicant stated that licensable activities would only take place on Saturday 20^th July 2024 to give residents an idea of the CIC’s intentions going forward, with a view to the event growing naturally. This year, should the Premises Licence be granted, the Applicant stated that the event would run from 1100hrs to 2000hrs only.

The Applicant advised the Sub Committee that they have worked closely with the Police to ensure the event will tie in with the night-time economy and local policing teams. The Police have assisted to devising a security plan, and the Applicant has also received confirmation from the Local Authority that CCTV coverage across the city centre and within the park will be provided to ensure the safety of attendees.

The Applicant stated that a reputable security company will provide security until 2300hrs, ensuring attendees are able to return to the city centre, particularly to the train station and car parks, safely. 

In terms of concerns surrounding the potential for noise nuisance, the Applicant advised that sound engineers would be actively monitoring the stages with noise equipment, and a company called SPL Acoustics would conduct noise monitoring around the park, including at the nearest residential development. The event will use the same resident complaints telephone number as the Godiva Festival so that residents are familiar with it.

The Applicant explained that they have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To consider any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of business.