Agenda item

The Chair opened the discussion on the report and referred to the earlier discussion by the Statutory Advisory Committee and Consultative Committee.

In response to the earlier discussion, Louise Stewart – Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace – advised that it would not be possible to have a trial period to assess whether the concerns raised by the Committees could be mitigated, as programming required licensing obligations to be in place so that event promotors and funders could confirm  bookings.  One of the biggest risks for the Trust was the inability to move quickly enough to realise opportunities for income generation due to governance restrictions. 

With regards to toilet provision, the solution was not easy nor cheap.  However, the Trust would commit to reviewing options for the future, as well as identifying requirements for this year in line with the increased catering which was to be provided in the Park.

Ms Stewart advised the Board that it could review the licence annually to evaluate whether a balance between impact on the Park and its neighbours and income generation had been achieved. 

In regard to noise, the Trust had a good record of monitoring noise levels and responding to enquiries from residents.  Very few noise complaints had been received and the licence had never been breached.

Ms Stewart confirmed that the Friends of Alexandra Park could be involved in the planning of all outdoor events  to ensure any concerns that the group may have are addressed.

Following a discussion, the Board recognised the need for the Trust to generate income whilst achieving a balance between events and public enjoyment of the Park.  The Board also recognised the need for increased and appropriate litter collections, as well as appropriate toilet provision.

The Board accepted that the timeliness of the Trust’s recovery from Covid-19 and its financial position meant that it would not be possible to delay the licence application whilst finer details were ironed out.  The Board noted that there would be the opportunity to review the licence in a years’ time.

The Board noted the offer of the Chief Executive to provide communications to the Statutory Advisory Committee and Consultative Committee, and further requested that an item be added to the agenda for those meetings, as well as communicating with Members outside of the meeting cycle.

The Board therefore RESOLVED to approve the Trust’s application to the Licensing Authority to:

i.       Extend the licensable area of the Parkland to include the East & Pavilion Car Parks (currently under the Palace Licence) and Pitch and Putt area;

ii.      Maintain the cap of 30 licensable events days within the Park Licence;

iii.     Include within the Park Licence the ability to host an unlimited number of small-scale licensable events for under 600 attendees.

iv.     Increase the number of events permitted over 55Db level (from 4 events at 65Db to 5 and from 0 events at 70db to 4) to accommodate events in the added areas, within the existing 30 event days permitted;

v.      Ring fence 2 of the 4 proposed event days at 70db, if the licence variation is approved by the Trustee Board, for the Pavilion Car Park; and

vi.     Include, within the Park Licence, the ability to sell alcohol as part of an improved food and beverage offer across the Park site as detailed in the report.