Hearing on objections to Sweet Hill Farm campground bar license

The company applied for a business permit to sell drinks Monday through Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. using a horse trailer as a bar.

A decision on the application will be taken by a Dorset Council Licensing Committee on Thursday 1 September.

Candidates Charlotte Barden-Lees and Daniel Lees say the small bar would be useful for visitors to the seasonal campsite where there is also a riding school.

After detailing the training they offer to staff, the couple say in their application: “The premises will close 30 minutes after the end of licensing activities, to allow customers to finish their drinks and leave in peace and quiet. We believe our premises are operating to a high standard and will continue to do so should this license be granted in terms of alcohol sales…

“Our premises are located in a rural area and therefore present little risk of noise disturbance, however our customers will be reminded by a notice at the entrance/exit to please leave the premises quietly. As part of the end events, guests will be reminded of their responsibility to leave the premises without disturbing any properties that may be affected.

Both opponents say there is potential for disruption locally if the beverage license is allowed.

One of them suggests that the sale of alcohol should only be reserved for people staying at the campsite: “If this request is approved, then, as it is not limited to users of the campsite, it will create a place of local gathering for alcohol consumption and notwithstanding the applicant’s assurances of controlling anti-social behavior, this will be after the problem has already arisen and will not be on their land, therefore outside of their responsibility.

The license hearing, which is open to the public, will take place at County Hall, Dorchester from 10am on Thursday 1 September.