The Licensing Sub-Committee of Thurrock Council convened on 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a new premises licence for a local business, amendments to existing licences, and the introduction of new safety measures for late-night venues. Decisions were made on each of these topics, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to public safety and community engagement.

New Premises Licence for The Riverside Café

The committee approved a new premises licence for The Riverside Café, located on the High Street. The café, owned by local entrepreneur Jane Smith, will now be able to serve alcohol from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week.

Councillors debated the potential impact on local residents, with some expressing concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour. However, Jane Smith assured the committee that measures would be in place to mitigate these issues, including soundproofing and increased security. Councillor Paul Convery stated,

The Riverside Café has demonstrated a strong commitment to being a responsible member of our community, and I believe this licence will benefit both the business and the local area.

Amendments to Existing Licences

The committee also reviewed and approved amendments to the existing licences of two local establishments: The Green Dragon Pub and The Bluebell Nightclub.

The Green Dragon Pub

The Green Dragon Pub, located on Church Road, requested an extension of their operating hours on weekends. The new hours will allow the pub to remain open until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The decision was made after considering the pub's history of compliance with local regulations and its positive relationship with the community.

The Bluebell Nightclub

The Bluebell Nightclub, situated on Station Road, sought approval for an increase in their maximum capacity from 200 to 300 patrons. The committee approved the request, contingent on the nightclub implementing additional safety measures, such as hiring more security personnel and installing additional CCTV cameras.

Introduction of New Safety Measures for Late-Night Venues

In response to recent incidents of violence and disorder in the area, the committee introduced new safety measures for all late-night venues in Thurrock. These measures include mandatory ID checks, enhanced lighting around premises, and the provision of free water to patrons. The initiative aims to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve the overall safety of the night-time economy.

Councillor Sarah Thompson highlighted the importance of these measures, stating,

Our priority is to ensure that everyone can enjoy a night out in Thurrock safely. These new requirements will help us achieve that goal by addressing some of the key issues we've seen in recent months.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement on the importance of ongoing dialogue between the council, local businesses, and residents to ensure the continued safety and vibrancy of Thurrock's night-time economy.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet 27th-Jun-2024 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee and the Public reports pack 27th-Jun-2024 19.00 Licensing Sub-Committee.