The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of County Durham Council was scheduled to consider an application for a summary review of the licence for Café HQ in Newton Aycliffe. This review was initiated by Durham Constabulary due to concerns about serious crime associated with the premises.

Application for a Summary Licence Review - Café HQ

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a summary review of the premises licence for Café HQ, located at 1 Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham, DL5 4DZ. This application was submitted by the Chief Officer of Police of Durham Constabulary on 3 August 2026, under sections 53A and 53B of the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack indicated that a summary review is initiated when the police believe a premises is associated with serious crime and/or serious disorder. The Licensing Authority was required to consider whether it was necessary to take interim steps within 48 hours of receiving the application.

The premises licence for Café HQ authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between Monday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, with opening hours from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The committee was to consider potential interim steps pending a full review of the licence. These steps could include:

• Modification of the conditions of the premises licence.
• Exclusion of the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the licence.
• Removal of the designated premises supervisor, Mr Quentin Ewart Watson, from the licence.
• Suspension of the licence.

The report pack also noted that a full review of the premises licence would be scheduled to take place within 28 days of the summary review application being received, with a deadline of 31 August 2026. A notice regarding the review application was to be displayed on the premises and the council's website, inviting representations by 11 August 2026.

The report pack included a certificate from a Chief Superintendent in Durham Constabulary, stating that in their opinion, the premises are associated with serious crime. The certificate referenced the Licensing Act 2003 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for definitions of serious crime. The guidance document provided further explanation of the process for expedited reviews, including the definitions of senior member of the force, certificate, serious crime, and serious disorder. It also outlined the steps the licensing authority may consider, such as modifying licence conditions, excluding the sale of alcohol, removing the designated premises supervisor, or suspending the licence.

The report pack also contained Home Office guidance relating to summary reviews for the members' information.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Lesley Mavin, Councillor Tim Robson (Chair), and Councillor Robbie Rodiss.