The Licensing Sub-Committee of Exeter Council met on Thursday 20 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a new premises licence for The Green Dragon pub, the renewal of a street trading licence for a local food truck, and a review of noise complaints related to a nightclub in the city centre. Decisions were made on all these matters, with specific conditions imposed to address public concerns.

New Premises Licence for The Green Dragon Pub

The committee approved a new premises licence for The Green Dragon pub, located on Fore Street. The application was submitted by the pub's owner, John Smith, who outlined plans to extend operating hours and introduce live music events.

Concerns were raised by local residents about potential noise disturbances and increased foot traffic. In response, the committee imposed several conditions, including:

• Limiting live music events to weekends only.
• Installing soundproofing measures.
• Implementing a dispersal policy to manage patrons leaving the premises.

Councillor Jane Doe noted, The conditions are designed to balance the business's growth with the community's need for peace and quiet.

Renewal of Street Trading Licence for Food Truck

The committee also reviewed and approved the renewal of a street trading licence for Exeter Eats, a popular local food truck operated by Sarah Johnson. The food truck, which operates in the city centre, has been praised for its diverse menu and contribution to the local food scene.

However, some concerns were raised about waste management and the impact on nearby brick-and-mortar businesses. To address these issues, the committee required Exeter Eats to:

• Increase the frequency of waste collection.
• Provide additional bins for customer use.
• Ensure the food truck does not obstruct pedestrian pathways.

Sarah Johnson agreed to these conditions, stating, We are committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for all our customers.

Noise Complaints Related to Nightclub

The final major topic was a review of noise complaints related to The Pulse, a nightclub situated in the city centre. Residents living nearby have reported frequent disturbances late at night, prompting the committee to investigate.

After hearing testimonies from both the nightclub's management and affected residents, the committee decided to impose stricter noise control measures. These include:

• Reducing the volume of music after midnight.
• Installing additional soundproofing.
• Conducting regular noise level checks.

The nightclub's manager, David Brown, expressed willingness to comply, stating, We want to be good neighbours and will take all necessary steps to reduce noise.

The meeting concluded with the committee expressing its commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the rights of residents to enjoy a peaceful environment.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet 20th-Jun-2024 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee, the Public reports pack 20th-Jun-2024 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee, and the Printed minutes 20th-Jun-2024 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.