Agenda item

To determine an application for the variation of a Premises Licence for Chickaros Chicken and Grill, 59 High Street, Stevenage. SG1 3AQ. Responsible Authorities, Hertfordshire Police and The Local Planning Authority have made representations against this application.

The Committee considered an application for a variation to the premises licence in respect of Chickaros Chicken and Grill, 59 High Street, Stevenage SG1 3AQ.

The Committee considered the report from the Licensing Officer and heard verbal submissions and evidence from Hertfordshire Constabulary representatives, the SBC Planning Department, the SBC Environmental Health Department and the Premises Licence Holder and Manager of the premises, following which all parties were requested to leave the meeting whilst the Committee determined the application.  At the conclusion of that process, all parties were invited back into the meeting to hear the Committee’s decision.

It was RESOLVED that the application for a variation of the premises licence for Chickaros Chicken and Grill, 59 High Street, Stevenage be refused.

REASON FOR DECISION:  Having heard representations from Hertfordshire Constabulary, the SBC Planning Department and the SBC Environmental Health Department, the Committee was not satisfied that the application would promote the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance.

The applicant had admitted that on two occasions the existing licence conditions had been breached.  The Committee had concerns that further breaches could occur in the future and that there was very little evidence that the applicant would be able to adhere to the licensing conditions if they were extended.

The Committee had no confidence that the premises would be operated in accordance with the hours proposed in the variation application.  The applicant was reminded that there may be occasions when premises licences can be revoked due to persistent breaching of licensing conditions. However, this did not preclude the Premises Licence Holder from making further variation applications in the future.

The Premises Licence Holder was reminded that there was a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court against the above decision.  Such an appeal would need to be submitted to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of receipt of the Committee’s decision letter.