Councillors granted the Whitley Road community hub a licence for alcohol and recorded music, 9am to 11pm, with new conditions on CCTV and the garden after 9pm.

Whitley Bay Big Local, the community hub at 158 Whitley Road, can now sell alcohol and play recorded music at its events. A council licensing sub-committee granted the premises licence on Friday 25 September, after hearing from the charity that runs it.

The licence was granted “as requested”, according to the draft minutes. It comes with amended conditions on CCTV and on use of the outside space after 9pm (draft minutes).

What the licence allows

The application, from the charity North Tyneside Big Local, asked for:

  • alcohol sold for drinking on the premises, every day from 9am to 11pm
  • recorded music, every day from 9am to 11pm
  • opening to the public every day from 9am to 11pm

The licensing officer’s report confirms those hours (licensing report). The hub is not in either of the borough’s two cumulative impact areas, where new licences face a tougher test.

Why a community cafe wanted one

The charity told councillors the hub sits in a less disadvantaged part of the borough, which makes grant funding harder to attract. So the centre has to generate its own income, and events and functions are one way to do it.

It has already hosted 12 to 15 events using temporary event notices, mostly around Christmas. It said a full licence would give more flexibility and save the cost of applying for a notice each time.

The charity also told the committee:

  • it will not operate as a bar, and will not serve alcohol during the day while it runs as a cafe
  • the licence covers the ground floor only
  • no alcohol is served in the front pavement area, which is open 9am to 4pm
  • the garden shuts at 9pm to limit the impact on neighbours
  • on event nights, music goes off at 10.30pm, the last drinks are served at 10.45pm and everyone is off site by 11pm
  • CCTV is already installed, staff are trained in first aid, fire safety and conflict resolution, and it follows a Challenge 25 policy

Objections, and one change of heart

No responsible authority, including the police, objected. Four members of the public made representations: three against and one in support.

Before the hearing, one objector emailed the clerk to withdraw their objection and back the application instead. The chair said a concern about bin storage was a matter for planning enforcement. The planning team had reported that work to fix it was under way.

What it means for you

  • Expect ticketed events and private hires with a bar. The hub will not become a pub, and daytime cafe trade stays alcohol-free.
  • Neighbours: the garden still closes at 9pm, and the committee added a condition on use of the outside space after that time. If an event causes a problem, the licence can be reviewed. Contact the council’s licensing team on 0191 643 2175.
  • Looking for a venue? The charity hires out its space, and its website lists the cafe, the surplus shop and what is on.
  • The minutes are still in draft and will be confirmed at a later meeting.

Sources