'Dreadful' summer for residents living near to pub which has had its beer garden licence extended

A Yorkshire pub has had its licence extended to its beer garden as neighbouring residents spoke of a “dreadful” summer of live music and ignored requests to turn it down.
The Ship Inn, in SewerbyThe Ship Inn, in Sewerby
The Ship Inn, in Sewerby

East Riding Council’s Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee approved The Ship Inn’s application to sell alcohol from a snack hut and hot drinks – some alcoholic – from its Blue Savannah kiosk.

Applicant and pub manager Charles Kilburn told the committee The Ship Inn, in Sewerby, was not a “boozer” and staged several concerts in summer to help promote local artists and bands.

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But three objecting residents told councillors the concerns had left them exposed to “dreadful” levels of noise every weekend and Mr Kilburn not acting on complaints had bred “mistrust”.

It comes as six objections were lodged against the Cliff Road pub’s application over noise, antisocial behaviour and “drug issues”.

A council report on the application stated two noise complaints had been made against the pub in August.

The pub sold alcohol from a converted smoking shelter in its beer garden and staged amplified gigs after rules around sales outdoors and performances were relaxed.

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The application came ahead of a deadline for venues to permanently licence outdoor areas brought into use during the coronavirus pandemic by Thursday, September 30.

The committee heard the live performances had taken place every Saturday and Sunday from around 1pm to 5pm, with two 15 minute breaks during each gig.

Michelle Hazlewood, the applicant’s solicitor, told the committee no objections were lodged against the application from Humberside Police or environmental protection officers.

She added the application was lodged in part to help with social distancing at the pub was not intended to turn the beer garden into a “drinking den”.

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Mr Kilburn said he never had issues with drugs and built a fence where the beer garden borders Sewerby Cricket Club to stop “rat runs” from users and dealers.

He added he had bought a sound absorber and was working to lower noise from musicians, with problems for neighbours thought to have started when bassists and drummers played.

The applicant said: “We decided to put on performances from young local musicians to help them grow their confidence. Some have gone on to have successful music careers.

“The beer garden is popular and holds about 200 people when we have the concerts. We’ve worked here to keep people safe and we’re happy to consult with residents and the police about any changes.

“We’re a family friendly pub, not a boozer.”

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Resident and objector Mrs Mason said music from the beer garden had been so loud at points that it shook her house.

The objector said: “Overall I think licensing that space is sensible, but I’m concerned that selling drinks early in the morning and late at night could fuel nuisance behaviour.

“I’m concerned that the pub’s plan has shifted from to trying to generate as much business as possible regardless of the impact on us.

“There were live acts performing there before and they were enjoyable, but since drummers, bassists and electric guitars have come it’s been dreadful.

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“The bands play about three metres away from my garden fence. I’ve asked him to turn the music down but whenever I do, he turns it up.

“We’re seeking to prevent any further impact on neighbours’ mental health and wellbeing.“

Committee Chair Coun Bernard Gateshill said: “We accept the evidence from residents about the noise being too loud this year but that is not a licensing matter we can consider.

“It seems there used to be a good relationship between the applicant and neighbours. We hope that returns in the future.

“If there is excessive noise in future I would encourage neighbours to contact the council’s environmental protection team, action could be taken if issues arise.”

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