Purpose

Application for a New Premises Licence under
the Licensing Act 2003

Content

Licensing Panel (Licensing Act 2003 Functions) - Notification of
the Determination of Panel.
 

Licensing panel hearing held virtually on Friday 25th July 2025 via
Teams in respect of the application for a premises licence in
respect of premises known as Pommy’s Pizza, 12 Imperial
Arcade, Brighton BN1 3EA

 
The Panel has read all
the papers including the report, and relevant representations, and
has listened to the submissions made today. It has had regard to
the Statement of Licensing Policy and the Statutory Guidance.
 
This is an application
for a new premises licence within the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)
and therefore subject to the special policy on cumulative impact as
set out in the Statement of Licensing Policy.
 
Our policy states that
applications for new premises licences will be refused following
relevant representations. This presumption can be rebutted by the
applicant if they can show that their application will have no
negative cumulative impact. The special policy will only be
overridden in exceptional circumstances. However, the policy is not
absolute and both the policy and matrix approach indicate that a
restaurant within certain hours may be unlikely to add to
cumulative impact in the area and therefore be exceptional.
 
The application is for
a small pizza shop within the Arcade to sell a limited range of
alcohol to be served with pizza on the premises only from 12:00
hours to 23:00 hours.
 
Two relevant
representations were made by local
residents with concerns about noise and disturbance at
night. The applicant has agreed to a set of conditions with Sussex
Police (within the papers at pp 28 – 30) which reinforce the
need for alcohol to be served with food seated at tables and no
vertical drinking.
 
The panel heard from
the applicant about the nature of the premises and style of
operation. It was small with a maximum of 20 covers inside and
outside and the main concept was takeaway pizza. He did contact
those who made representations and had a discussion with one who he
said was not receptive and wanted the Arcade to close at 6pm. The
Arcade was a challenging environment to operate within, and they
hoped to improve it by their presence. The residents were his
customers, and he wanted to work with them. He was willing to give
out a telephone number or include them in the WhatsApp Group. There
would be a limited range of alcohol on sale, mainly beers with
premium pricing. Noise was controlled via a decibel meter. He had
CCTV and the arcade had cameras managed by Pagoda security. They
were not open late and closed mainly around 10pm but wished to have
the flexibility to 11:00pm if necessary. There would be 4 staff
members including those experienced with alcohol management and
they would all be trained.
 
The panel has
considered this application on its merits and taken into account the representations. It is a
modest application and one which is consistent with the policy and
matrix. The panel considered that the applicant demonstrated a
responsible and respectful attitude towards his neighbours and the
prevention of public nuisance and would work with them to resolve
any issues. The panel did not consider it was the style of
operation which would add to problems in the area or have a
negative impact and may have a positive impact on the immediate
arcade environment.
 
The panel has
therefore decided to grant the application with all conditions
agreed with the police and those from the operating schedule, which
will promote the licensing objectives.