This is my response to the application by J.D.Wetherspoon plc for a premises license for 'The Six Bells' next door to St.Thomas Church.

Licensing Manager,
Licensing Services,
New Forest District Council,
Appletree Court,
Lyndhurst,
Hampshire SO43 7PA

21st February 2012

Dear Sir

Ref: application for a premises licence at 47-48 St Thomas Street, Lymington, by J.D.Wetherspoon plc.

While delighted with the restrictions voluntarily undertaken by JDW in their application, I do still have some remaining concerns which could be addressed easily enough with some suitable further clarifications and conditions on the granting of the licence.
Licensing objective b – the prevention of crime and disorder
I am concerned that the opening hours proposed do not match those of other pubs in the area. We have seen in the past how such a disparity can focus drinkers on premises with longer hours, leading to crime and disorder. I therefore request that the hours of availability of alcohol be the same as for other pubs in the area.
Licensing objective c – public safety
I assume that the fire muster point is in the rear garden. What would be the evacuation route from the garden as none is shown on the plan?
Since the kitchen is at the rear of the premises it is quite likely that a fire would block the rear doors. In that eventuality where would the muster point be?
What steps will be taken to prevent the public climbing onto the flat roof?
Licensing objective d – the prevention of public nuisance
I am concerned about litter and broken glass spreading out from the premises. I am pleased to see (P,d ,1) the restriction on taking open drinks or food but I think this needs to be strengthened considerably. First of all the restriction prohibits 'consumption outside the front entrance' which would allow open drinks to be taken next door into the churchyard, or across the road, for consumption there. Secondly the restriction does not cover empty glasses or bottles. I suspect that JDW intended the restrictions to apply to both of these issues but the wording does not in fact cover them. Furthermore I think that the enforcement of these restrictions will need more than “Signage .. adjacent to the front exits” and I suggest that one or more members of staff be posted by the front entrance to ensure compliance, as at the JDW pub, “Dolphin & Anchor” in Chichester.
The same staff could also enforce the request to “leave the premises and their immediate vicinity quietly” (P,d,2).
The premises adjoin a quiet area of the churchyard and I should like some reassurances that the noise of the air-conditioning and other machinery on top of the building will be kept down to an acceptable level, perhaps by incorporating some acoustic baffles into the design. There should also be steps taken to minimize the impact in terms of sight and smell as this rooftop overlooks the main doors to the parish church, only 10 metres away. People congregate in the area outside these doors before and after weddings, baptisms and funerals so it is a particularly important public space.
I am delighted that no deliveries or waste collection will take place on Sundays (P,d,7), but note that there is no similar restriction on the extremely noisy activity of external disposal of bottles etc. At the very least I request that there be no such disposals on Sunday while worship is in progress (currently 7.30 – 12.30 and 2.30 – 4.30). I also request that we be given a schedule of when such noisy activities are to be performed on other days so that we can work around them.
In the past, when there was a pub of the same name in a similar location, we have had problems with people vomiting and urinating in the churchyard, which is not only a health and safety issue but also very upsetting for relatives of those who are buried in the churchyard. I am delighted to see (P,a,1) that people who appear to be drunk will not be served and ask that this restriction be extended to those who are drinking too quickly or drinking competitively or drinking an inappropriate mixture of drinks.
As the premises are situated opposite the busy junction with Church Lane I wonder where coaches, minibuses etc are expecting to stop to embark / disembark passengers? As there is only a single yellow line outside the premises I request that such transport be directed to the M&S car park if waiting for long periods.
There is a large ground floor window overlooking an area of recent burials of cremated remains, less than one metre distant. I request that this window be obscured completely so that mourners bringing flowers etc to the graves of their loved ones are not overlooked.
Licensing objective e – the protection of children from harm
The public pedestrian right of way to the east of the premises is a well-used pedestrian route to the pre-school and two primary schools in Avenue Road. It is very important to prevent any broken glass or other hazardous mess finding its way onto this path, underlining the point above about strict enforcement of the ban on taking glasses or bottles out of the front entrance. There is similar concern with regard to cigarette waste, vomit, etc. also addressed by restrictions above. I suggest that one or more employees posted at the front entrance is the best way to ensure the enforcement of these restrictions. I would also ask that JDW provide staff to clear litter etc. in the immediate area of the premises and thus help to protect children using the path.

I hope that these comments will be useful in your determinations.
Yours faithfully

Revd Peter Salisbury, Vicar