The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council granted a new premises licence for Coffee on the Green, located at 1 Duncan House, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe. The decision was made after considering an application for the sale of alcohol and hearing representations from an objector.

New Premises Licence Granted for Coffee on the Green

Buckinghamshire Council's Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Coffee on the Green, located at 1 Duncan House, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3SX. The application sought permission to sell alcohol from 10:00 to 23:00 daily.

The decision was made after the committee heard from the applicant, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Khaneja, and his agent, Manpreet Singh Kapoor, as well as considering representations from an objector. The objector had raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, specifically relating to potential noise and anti-social behaviour from customers gathering outside the premises late into the evening.

During the hearing, the applicant demonstrated a willingness to address these concerns. They voluntarily agreed to several additional conditions, including:

• Alcohol being supplied by waiter or waitress service only, with no vertical drinking.
• The implementation of a written dispersal policy to encourage customers to leave quietly.
• The maintenance of a written noise management plan.
• Restrictions on deliveries, waste collections, and bottle disposal between 20:00 and 08:00.
• The identification and supervision of a designated smoking area to minimise disturbance.

Furthermore, the applicant agreed to reduce the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol. The original application sought to sell alcohol until 23:00 every day. However, following the representations, the applicant agreed to close licensable activities at 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and maintain the 23:00 closing time on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises' opening hours were also adjusted to 10:00 to 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Sub-Committee was impressed by the applicant's proactive engagement with the objector's concerns and their commitment to adapting their operating plans. They noted Mr. Khaneja's experience in operating a nearby off-licence without any licensing issues, which suggested a responsible approach to managing licensed premises. The committee also recognised the potential for Coffee on the Green to become a community hub, fostering social interaction and cohesion.

The final decision to grant the licence was based on the evidence presented, the applicant's proposed conditions, and the belief that the premises could operate responsibly and promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The committee found no evidence to suggest that the proposed operating schedule and conditions would inadequately protect these objectives.