The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers public house. The committee decided to suspend the licence with immediate effect pending a full review, following concerns raised by the police about serious crime and disorder at the premises.

The Chequers Public House Licence Suspension

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers, located at 121 North Street, Hornchurch. This review was initiated under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, following a certification from the police that the premises may be associated with serious crime or serious disorder.

The police reported that a violent disorder occurred at the premises in the early hours of Wednesday, 11 March 2026, extending into Thursday, 12 March 2026. CCTV footage showed a verbal disagreement escalating into a physical altercation involving approximately ten people. The disorder included punches, kicks, and the use of chairs as weapons, with one individual sustaining a head injury. The report also noted that no SIA door staff were present, as required by the licence, and that bar staff later refused to provide statements to the police.

Furthermore, the police investigation revealed evidence suggesting the premises had been operating outside its licensed hours and habitually supplying alcohol after hours. The report from Superintendent Sharon Brind stated, Looking through till records at the venue & CCTV footage it appears the venue have been habitually operating outside of their licence & supplying alcohol after hours. ¹ The police argued that this type of violence and crime was unacceptable and appeared to be a result of the venue operating poorly and outside its licensed hours.

The purpose of this interim hearing was to determine whether interim steps were necessary pending the full review of the licence. The committee, chaired by Councillor Philippa Crowder, with Councillor Christine Smith and Councillor Jane Keane also in attendance, heard evidence from PC Chris Stockman of the Havering Licensing Department.

Following the presentation of the case, the subcommittee was satisfied that it was necessary to impose an interim step. The decision was made to suspend the premises licence for The Chequers with immediate effect. This suspension will remain in place until the full review hearing, which must be held within 28 days, as stipulated by the Licensing Act 2003. The subcommittee advised the licence holder to seek legal advice.