Stanhoe news
Noise concern
Late opening at the Duck Inn will be managed so as to disturb Stanhoe residents as little as possible, landlord Julian Rivett said yesterday.
The occasion was an informal meeting to which everyone who had raised objections to the original licensing application was invited.
Present were Julian and his solicitor; Claire, who manages the pub; a representative from Elgood’s brewery, Terry and Pamela Austin and Elizabeth Thuburn, representing Stanhoe Parish Council; and residents Frances and Colin Ulyatt.
As Parish Council chair, Terry raised concerns which residents had brought to his attention. “The meeting was forthright but good-natured,” said a person who was present.
“Julian’s response was that he has a wealth of experience of organising and managing events of all sizes, and that the management of the participants and their behaviour is down to him,” our correspondent reported.
“He does not wish to cause any problems in Stanhoe, and clearly does not wish to damage the reputation that the pub has built up for high standards and good relations with residents.”
Simple management techniques like ensuring that loudspeakers are appropriately placed will help to reduce disturbance, Julian said. He assured everyone that either he or Claire will always be on the premises when a large function is in progress.
Julian added that he did not think that there would be a large function every week. The staff at the pub would not be able to manage that volume of business, he said.
What's proposed?
The original licensing application would have allowed the Duck to open until 2 am up to 12 times a year. By the time the pub re-opened in July 2010 its licence covered the same hours as the old Crown Inn — up until 12.30 am.
The current proposal is again for late opening up to 12 times a year, with indoor and outdoor music, drinks until 2.00 am and closing at 2.30 am.