The Premises / Personal Licences Sub-Committee of Tendring Council met on Monday 20 July 2026 and considered an application for a premises licence for The Beach Bar in Walton-on-the-Naze, which was ultimately refused. The committee also considered a variation to a premises licence for Highfield Grange Holiday Park and a grant of a premises licence for Alresford Hall, both of which were approved with conditions.

Grant of a Premises Licence for The Beach Bar, Walton-on-the-Naze

The Sub-Committee considered an application from Mr William Hebborn for a premises licence for The Beach Bar, located at Unit 3, Sea View Court, Pier Approach, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8DZ. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises daily between 12:00 and 22:00.

The application received objections from three members of the public and one representation from the Council's Licensing Authority. Concerns raised by the public objectors included potential public nuisance from noise, littering, and increased anti-social behaviour, as well as issues related to public safety, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Specific concerns were raised about the premises being located in a conservation area, directly beneath residential flats, and the potential for alcohol sales to negatively impact families and children visiting the pier and beach. Objectors also questioned the adequacy of toilet facilities and the applicant's history with nearby catering units.

The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted concerns about the applicant's ability to mitigate the risks associated with introducing alcohol into a child-centred environment, particularly given the premises' location within the Gold Dust Family Entertainment Centre Arcade. Key concerns included the absence of adequate toilet facilities for staff and customers, the potential for alcohol to be carried into children's gaming areas, and insufficient detail on staffing levels and incident management. The Licensing Authority proposed several conditions, including the separation of the bar area from children's zones, a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV, and the installation of adequate customer toilet facilities.

During the hearing, Mr Hebborn stated that the premises did have working toilets for public use and that four staff members, plus a security guard, would be employed. He also confirmed that a disabled toilet could be installed if required. He indicated that takeaway alcohol would be served in plastic cups and that customers could drink anywhere. He suggested that the arcade area could be removed if it simplified the application.

After deliberation, the Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application for a premises licence for The Beach Bar. The decision was based on concerns regarding the inconsistency in the applicant's submissions, the shifting nature of his position, and potential risks to public welfare, safety, and the protection of children from harm. The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant's proposals were not in accordance with the licensing objectives.

Variation of a Premises Licence for Highfield Grange Holiday Park, Clacton-on-Sea

The Sub-Committee approved a variation to the premises licence for Highfield Grange Holiday Park, located on London Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO16 9QY. The variation sought to extend the permitted times for outdoor entertainment, including live and recorded music, dance, and film, from 19:00 to 23:00 daily. It also aimed to remove and amend certain conditions on the licence.

Representations objecting to the application were received from residents of Jubilee Avenue and Farmleigh Avenue. Concerns focused on potential noise pollution from outdoor music extending later into the evening and the impact on residents.

The applicant's representative, Jonathan Smith, highlighted recent investments in the park and explained that a noise assessment had been conducted. He stated that noise levels would be managed in line with the approved noise assessment and that the stage would be reoriented away from residential areas.

The Sub-Committee granted the variation, allowing outdoor activities to take place between 11:00 and 23:00 daily. Condition 1 of Annex 2 was removed, and Condition 3 of Annex 2 was amended to state that maximum noise levels would be set in line with the noise assessment dated 19 January 2024.

Grant of a Premises Licence for Alresford Hall, Alresford

The Sub-Committee granted a time-limited premises licence for Alresford Hall, Ford Lane, Alresford, Colchester, CO7 8AY, for a historical re-enactment event organised by The Sealed Knot. The licence was for the period of 21 May 2026 to 25 May 2026 and permitted the sale of alcohol, performance of live music, and performance of plays.

The application was reviewed by the Tendring Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from Essex Police and other emergency services. While the SAG is not a statutory consultee, its advice was considered. One objection was received from a member of the public, James Folger, who raised concerns about noise, public nuisance, parking, security, and public safety.

The applicants, Susie and Will Marsden, explained that the event was intended to be educational and that noise would be managed through an independent noise assessment and a noise management plan, with a 90 dB limit for music. They also detailed comprehensive event management and traffic management plans.

The Sub-Committee granted the licence with ten conditions. These included implementing a Challenge 25 policy, stewarding for incident reporting and crowd management, ensuring first aid provision, specifying vehicle access routes, maintaining resident access, managing traffic and parking, providing a contact number for residents, and implementing all recommendations from the Noise Impact Assessment and Noise Management Plan.

Other Business

The Sub-Committee also formally elected Councillor Jo Henderson as Chairman for the meeting and approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on 13 May 2026. There were no apologies for absence or declarations of interest made by the members.