Petition - Preserve the Biannual Hush Club Event in Southbourne
Council is advised that a petition with in excess of 2000 valid signatures has been received from Mr Bob Smith-Thomas requesting that the biannual Hush Club Event in Southbourne be preserved:
The Hush Club's annual events have long been a cornerstone of unity and charity in the Southbourne community. Held twice a year on the cliff top by the Riva Café, these family-friendly gatherings bring together locals, fostering strong community ties and providing a platform for fundraising efforts.
Regrettably, the continuation of these beloved events is under threat. We believe in the immense value of these events for our community and the charities they support. Hence, we urge the authorities to permit the continuation of the Hush Club's events, so that we may continue to unite, celebrate, and support our community together.
By adding your signature, you are championing the cause of community togetherness and charity in Southbourne. Let's come together and show that Southbourne stands united in preserving this local event.
It is also worth bearing in mind that Cafe Riva host a weekly "Rendezvous at Riva" where a DJ plays Saturday and Sunday and I believe this may be the reason for the complaints rather than the twice a year Hush club events. I noted on a recent visit that their speakers were pointing inland facing Fishermans Walk. The Hush Club speakers are aimed across the cliff top to limit the noise levels to local residents.
In their last event Mr Andrew Hill from the Environmental department at BCP was in attendance who confirmed with Rob Green that the noise levels were satisfactory and well within BCP council regulations.
I would like the council to consider lifting the ban on The Hush Club for next year to host the two charity events as they have done for the past many years.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to a petition calling for BCP Council to preserve the Biannual Hush Club Event in Southbourne …
The petition organiser, Mr Bob Smith-Thomas, provided Council with background relating to the submitted petition, and in doing so read a statement from the organisers of the Hush Club.
Members spoke in support of the event thanking the petition organiser for bringing the petition to Council.
The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, Councillor Kieron Wilson spoke on the petition highlighting that the Council had not banned the Hush Club event nor had any legal action been taken, but that Environmental Health staff had been liaising with the event organiser following a large number of noise complaints (45 separate noise complaints received since 2021) which the Council has a statutory duty to investigate.
Further to this the Portfolio Holder advised that should the Hush Club wish to continue the event they would need to apply for a temporary event notice, the process followed for previous events, and that if there were objections to the event from the police or council based on previous history the application would be heard at a Licensing Committee for the members to consider and make a decision.
Councillor Kieron Wilson proposed that: -
Council notes the petition and the strength of feeling within the community and asks that it be referred to the Licensing Committee’
This proposal was seconded by Councillor Millie Earl.
Council debated the petition and it was:
RESOLVED that Council notes the petition and the strength of feeling within the community and asks that it be referred to the Licensing Committee.
Voting: Nem. Con (1 abstention)