The Licensing Sub-Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council is scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence. The meeting will focus on the details of this application, including representations made by interested parties and the applicant's responses.

Application to Vary Premises Licence at The Old Auction House

The primary item scheduled for discussion is an application to vary the premises licence for The Old Auction House on Linden Park Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The application, submitted by Irwin and Owens Ltd, seeks to extend the premises' opening hours and add live and recorded music.

The report pack indicates that the application proposes extending the sale of alcohol hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 1:00 am, with the premises remaining open until 2:00 am on those days. For other days, the proposed hours for alcohol sales would generally remain until 11:00 pm, with the premises open until midnight. The application also seeks to introduce live music indoors from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, and until 1:00 am on Thursdays to Saturdays, with recorded music also being permitted during these extended hours.

In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003¹, a public notice was displayed, and six relevant representations were received from other persons during the consultation period. No representations were received from responsible authorities. These representations, along with the applicant's responses, are scheduled to be considered by the committee. The report pack includes responses from Florent Gacon, Business Owner of The Old Auction House, and Paulo Da Silva, General Manager, addressing concerns raised by Mr Brett, Julia Barnes, and Mr Ralph Lloyd-Roberts.

The applicant's responses highlight their commitment to working with neighbours and addressing noise concerns. They state that they do not empty glass bins at night and have cancelled future Promoted parties with external DJs due to noise issues. They are also considering building a lobby to prevent noise escaping. Regarding customer noise, they have instructed door staff to control noise upon exiting and have installed a canopy to absorb sound and restrict light pollution.

The report outlines two potential options for the Sub-Committee: to grant the application for variation subject to conditions, or to reject the application in whole or in part. The recommendations suggest that members determine the application, taking into account the merits of the application, representations, the Guidance issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003², and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy³.

The report also references the relevant legal framework, including the Licensing Act 2003 and its four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also touches upon the Human Rights Act, specifically Article 1 of the First Protocol (protection of property) and Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life), and Article 6 (right to a fair hearing).

The meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday 22 June 2026 at 10:30 am in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The members of the Licensing Sub-Committee scheduled to attend are Councillors Sharratt, Standing, and Kent.