ADDENDUM
Supporting documentation from applicant
I would like to thank all parties for their representations both in support and in objection.
The Rottingdean Lounge has over the course of the last 3 years been much busier due to our change in ownership style and we have completely rejuvenated the membership base to encompass a wide range of ages from 30 to 100.
With those changes we have had to adapt our style, our music choices and the type of event we hold for the enjoyment of our customers. We have had lots of music, singers, bands and entertainment and we have never encountered a problem with disorderly custom, have always where the risk assessment is thought to be needed employed SIA door staff and have never had the police at our door therefore I cannot accept the representation from Mr Day that allowing us to change our licence change would result in us abusing any of the following licencing objectives.
We operate a challenge 25 policy in line with all other licenced venues and have never had to use it. If the licence is granted this will not change but we accept that it might be wise to retrain all staff to be aware as the audience “could” change sometimes.
Mister Bagshaw comments that as a former member and current neighbour that the audience in his opinion were “older, genteel and community minded” and that he feels that this will change if we become a public house and I would like to thank him for the comments. However I do strongly wish to remind Mr Bagshaw that this audience to which he refers departed very soon after we took over the venue as a majority as we chose to run the club like a private members club and not a social club to attract the very audience that we have today; many of whom are in complete support of the proposed changes.
In support of our licence change is Councillor Joe Miller who believes that under our management the change will be a good thing. I would also like to refer to a letter of support from member Claire Bilton in particular her comments “I have no concerns that this application if granted would create any risk under the prevention of crime and disorder or prevention of public nuisance categories” and importantly “Like all other venues within the village, events at this venue that encourage larger crowds, such as entertainment events are well managed with door/security staff if required”.
Cynth Howe, herself a current member also acknowledges this with her support letter.
At this juncture I would also like to read out a letter from former mayor and councillor Mrs Lynda Hyde who strongly voices her support and excerpts from a letter of support from Jason Vaughan Phillips, a fellow publican and licensee. Both Mrs Hyde and Mr Vaughan Phillips are members of the club and feel that they can support our application.
I would like to end my comments by saying that to my knowledge there have been no representations made by any of the responsible authorities and that I have always worked very closely with the licensing officers to ensure that our reputation and handling of the venue is kept untarnished and I don’t believe that changing the licence will change this.
These are difficult times for the licenced trade as a whole and it is important to me that we can do whatever we need to be able to keep custom alive whilst abiding by the law and by changing the licence this will go some way to assisting us in doing so.
Once again, thanks to everyone involved today.
Thanks you.
Mr Philip Sherrington
Licensee
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lynda
Hyde <Lynda.Hyde@googlemail.com>
Date: 29 June 2020 at 19:34:36 BST
To: ehl.safety@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Subject: Licence application
1445/3/2020/01352/LAPREV to change the licence at Rottingdean Club,
High Street, Rottingdean BN27HE to a Public House
licence.
35 Court Ord Road, Rottingdean
I write to
support the above application. I should declare that I am a member
of the Rottingdean Club but this fact has not clouded my
judgement.
The Rottingdean Club is a very well run establishment and despite
holding some very busy events manages to keep a safe environment
without any problems in terms of drunken behaviour or disturbance.
The owners are very aware of their duty to uphold the four
licensing objectives and they work to this end.
I am confident that should the new licence be granted, the
management will continue to uphold the licensing objectives. You
will be aware that until last May I was a member of the Licensing
Committee and attended many panels. With this in mind, I hope you
will give every consideration to my letter of support and my
judgement.
Yours faithfully
Lynda Hyde.
Sent from my iPad
redacted
4th June 2020
Ref: Carter Christian Ltd Reg 25.
Dear Sir / madam,
I noticed the application posted for a change in Licensing applied by the Rottingdean Club.
I write to whole-heartedly support the application as a local resident, long term club member and also a competitor.
I must admit to a conflict of interest. It would be in my best business interests for the change and application to be denied.
This is as a co-owner of a bar in Saltdean and knowledge that the club and Bar share patrons.
My business partners may not respect my writing to you.
My support for the change in application is based on several factors.
Rottingdean attracts many tourists and promotes itself as Historic.
I often see tourists outside the club taking photographs and they are bemused that unable to venture inside when not club members.
I feel this exclusivity is unnecessary in 2020 and where possible we should be promoting the village and local trade. This would also aid locals in not having to take photos for tourists who need a picture under the club sign.
Approving the change would level the playing field for all licensed houses in the Village.
Rottingdean is great at promoting local events, especially on the Green, and having another venue where residents / visitors / tourists and guests of local residents can frequent without the need to be annual member would greatly aid the local business community.
With the commercial effects of the pandemic being acutely felt by the hospitality industry anything that helps local trade should be embraced.
The demographics of the Village have changed and it is great to see younger people and families moving into the area.
Newer residents like those in my street redacted , feel unable to venture into the Club and enjoy the hospitality. This especially applies to those with young families who would benefit from the amazing gardens.
Some see the membership costs as prohibitive, especially when they may only use very occasionally. It would be a pleasure to see more families and younger people able to enjoy the facilities.
My house redacted and it would be great to see them available to all, especially those village residents like myself who have no garden of their own. I have been acutely aware during the shutdown how important this is for people.
The club has an amazing history and should be available to be shared by all and celebrated without the need for exclusive membership.
I am sure this application will be to the chagrin of the Nimby brigade who objects to any application or progress whatever it may be.
I see the application as only being positive.
Phil and Paul and their team have been great custodians and only improved the club offering during their tenure.
Yours respectfully,
redacted.