A HAMPSHIRE vineyard has been granted an extension to its premises licence by Winchester City Council.

As previously reported, Exton Park Vineyard, on Allen Park Lane, Exton, applied for an extension to its license, with the application proposing that the vineyard should have permission to supply alcohol to customers for consumption both on and off the premises from 10am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

The vineyard already held a premises licence permitting alcohol sales from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. The application was discussed in a licensing sub-committee meeting on April 20, but a decision was not reached until April 28.

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The sub-committee has since announced that the application has been granted, with some additional conditions.

Exton Park Vineyard will be able to sell alcohol on the property from 10am to 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to 11pm Friday to Saturday. The number of visitors to the vineyard has also been limited to 70 per week, with licensable activities only to be carried out by Exton Park Vineyard LLP.

Due to the site’s location within the South Down National Park, additional conditions have been imposed. Due to the area’s Dark Sky Reserve Area status, whenever artificial lighting is used indoors blackout blinds are to be used, with exterior lights to be of such a design and layout that to reduce light pollution and prevent a nuisance. The doors to the premises are also to be closed by 9pm to reduce noise pollution.

The licensing decision document from Winchester City Council says: “The application has been determined on its own merits.

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“The licencing regime is permissive unless there are sound and reasonable arguments against the grant of a licence raised under the four licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee noted no objections had been received from responsible authorities.

“In addition, it was noted that no objections had been raised under the current licence, nor during or following the holding of events under Temporary Event Notices.”

Exton Park Vineyard CEO Rob McMillan said: “We are delighted to have been granted a license for Exton Park and very much look forward to developing the vineyard as a private estate, promoting our award-winning English sparkling wines.”