Buckinghamshire Council's licensing subcommittee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Garibaldi pub, located at 11-17 High Street, Burnham, Slough, SL1 7JB. The application was submitted by Star Pubs and Bars Limited, following the death of the previous licence holder and the subsequent lapse of the existing licence. After hearing arguments from all parties, the committee agreed to grant the licence with amended conditions.

The Garibaldi Premises Licence Application

Star Pubs and Bars Limited applied for a new premises licence for The Garibaldi, after the previous licence lapsed due to the death of the licence holder. The application sought to reinstate licensable activities, including the sale of retail alcohol, live music (indoors and outdoors), recorded music (indoors and outdoors), and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours of operation were Monday to Thursday, 10am to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 1am; and Sunday, 10am to 11pm.

Miss Sarah Coates, Licensing Officer, presented a report outlining the details of the application and representations received. She clarified that the application was for a new licence, as the previous one had lapsed, and outlined the licensable activities sought, including the sale of retail alcohol, live music, recorded music, and late-night refreshment. Miss Coates noted that two valid objections were received, citing concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Objections

Two objections were received from local residents, Mr David Taylor, Mr Les Ross and Mr James Burden, who raised concerns regarding the potential for increased crime and disorder, antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance, and litter. Mr Taylor argued that the previous licence holder operated the pub in a way that was considerate to neighbours, whereas the new application sought a major change that would negatively impact the community. Mr Ross raised concerns about fire safety and the management of the beer garden, while Mr Burden focused on the potential for noise from the smoking area to disturb his family.

Applicant's Response

Mr George Domilio from Flint Bishop Solicitors, representing the applicant, argued that the application was sensible and considered, seeking to reinstate a lapsed licence on similar terms. He stated that Star Pubs and Bars Limited, a subsidiary of Heineken UK, was committed to investing in the premises and operating it responsibly. Mr Domilio highlighted that the police had not objected to the application and that the licensing authority had no record of complaints relating to the premises during the previous licence. He also offered additional conditions, such as a telephone number for residents to request, and a complaints log.

Amendments and Conditions

In response to concerns raised, Mr Domilio agreed to amend the application to limit live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment to indoors only. He also accepted additional conditions proposed by Ms Laura Heller, including a clearer definition of the designated smoking area and a prohibition on drinking in outside areas after 11pm. Furthermore, he agreed to implement a written drugs policy and provide staff training.

Committee Decision

After considering the evidence and submissions, the licensing subcommittee decided to grant the premises licence, subject to the amended conditions. The decision took into account the need to balance the rights of the applicant with the concerns of local residents and the promotion of the four licensing objectives¹.