The Licensing Act Sub-Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 30 April 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence. The meeting was also scheduled to elect a chair for the duration of the meeting, and remind members that they must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests.

Red Brick, Unit 1 Thornes Hall, 28 Castle Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2BQ

The main item on the agenda was listed as being an application for a new premises licence for Red Brick, a proposed bagel bar at Unit 1 Thornes Hall, 28 Castle Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2BQ.

RB Shrewsbury Ltd have applied for a new premises licence at Unit 1 Thornes Hall, which the report pack describes as:

a multi-story building with both retail and residential accommodation in and around the vicinity situated on Castle Street in the Town Centre of Shrewsbury.

The applicant intends to licence the ground floor and the basement of the premises. They have also applied for off sales which would allow consumption in a small canopy area to the front of the premises, along with takeaways.

The report pack states that the applicant’s proposal is:

for a freshly baked bagel bar serving a variety of fresh bagels, quality coffee and a curated selection of alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages – evoking the charm and openness of an American diner allowing patrons alcohol to consume with their meal or during events.

The applicant has requested the following licensable activities and opening hours:

• Supply of Alcohol (Consumption on and off the premises)
  • Monday to Thursday 10:00 till 23:30
  • Friday and Saturday 09:00 till 00:30 the following day
  • Sunday 09:00 till 23:30
• Live music (Indoors)
  • Friday and Saturday 23:00 till 00:30 the following day
• Recorded music (Indoors)
  • Wednesday and Thursday 23:00 till 00:00
  • Friday and Saturday 23:00 till 01:00 the following day
  • Sunday 23:00 till 00:00
• Late night refreshments (Indoors)
  • Wednesday and Thursday 23:00 till 00:00
  • Friday and Saturday 23:00 till 01:00 the following day
  • Sunday 23:00 till 00:00
• Opening Hours
  • Monday to Saturday 08:00 till 00:00
  • Sunday 08:00 till 23:00

Additional hours have been requested on all UK recognised bank holidays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve for all activities till 01:30 hours the following day, closing at 02:00 hours.

The report pack notes that representations were received from responsible authorities, namely trading standards, police and environmental protection. These authorities subsequently withdrew their representations after agreeing additional conditions for the licence with the applicant. An additional condition was also agreed with the Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme, the premises next door. Planning submitted comments only.

The consolidated proposed conditions agreed between the applicant, authorities and 'other persons' include conditions relating to:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder, including:
  • CCTV installation and operation
  • A zero tolerance to drugs policy
  • A duty of care policy towards persons who are refused admission or who are ejected from the premises
  • A policy around spiking
  • The use of SIA door staff supervisors on Fridays, Saturdays and nights preceding nationally recognised public holidays
  • Staff training in responsible alcohol retailing
  • No customers being allowed to enter or leave the premises with any glass receptacles
  • Membership of a local pub watch scheme
  • The use of toughened, polycarbonate or plastic “glassware” for any drinks to be consumed outdoors
  • The removal and secure storage of any outside furniture when not in use
  • Ensuring no vertical drinking takes place in any outdoor areas used by the venue
  • Keeping any external storage areas locked and secured at all times with no access to the public
  • A personal licence holder or the designated premises supervisor (DPS) being on-site at all times during licensable activities
• Public safety, including:
  • Appropriate fire safety procedures
  • Annual electrical inspections of all appliances
  • Keeping all emergency exits free from obstruction at all times
• Public Nuisance, including:
  • All Regulated Entertainment with the exception of music taking place in the basement ceasing at 23:00 until the end of trading
  • External doors being closed after 23:00 until the end of trading with the exception of immediate ingress and egress
  • The consumption area being cleared of patrons by 23:00 and all furniture removed from the area
  • Any rubbish associated with the premises being cleared up from the front pavement every evening before close
  • Prominent, clear and legible notices being displayed at the exits requesting the public to respect the needs of nearby residents and to leave the premises and the area quietly
  • The outside seating area being monitored, with clear signage reminding patrons to respect neighbours and keep noise to a minimum
• Protection of Children from Harm, including:
  • Implementation of a Challenge 25 Policy¹ with appropriate signage displayed at points of sale
  • Maintenance of a challenge log for Challenge 25 and refusals
  • Training on Challenge 25 procedures, proxy sales and individuals’ responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003
  • After 19:00hrs, all persons under the age of 18 being accompanied by a responsible adult and only being permitted in the premises if they are consuming food
  • After 22:00hrs, no person under the age of 18 being permitted in the premises

Planning stated that they do not object to a licence for the sale of alcohol being issued, however, planning permission would be required for a Change of Use to a Sui Generis use (Pub or drinking establishment).² The premises currently benefits from Planning Permission for small shop units on the ground floor and basement for retail and office use.

Ten representations were received against the application, one of which has since been withdrawn after the applicant agreed with Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme to the following condition:

Any rubbish associated with the premises will be cleared up from the front pavement every evening before close.

The report pack notes that the principal concerns relate to the four licensing objectives, including potential noise nuisance inside and outside the venue from people noise and regulated entertainment, anti-social behaviour and crime, and the proximity of residential dwellings.

The applicant, named as Zak in the report pack, provided supporting information to clarify the application and RB Shrewsbury Ltd intentions, stating:

Red Brick is not a loud or rowdy late-night venue. Our vision is to create a warm, sociable environment where people can enjoy quality food, drink, and music in a relaxed setting — a place for conversation and connection, not shouting over the sound system.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application in accordance with the Statutory Guidance issued under s182 of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, the information contained within the report, supporting documentation and having had due regard to the applicant and the parties/authorised bodies making relevant representations.