The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Maya Lounge, located at 32 Wellingborough Road, Northampton. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Premises Licence Review Application - Maya Lounge

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application by Northamptonshire Police for a review of the premises licence held by Maya Lounge. The review was initiated on the grounds of failure to promote the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance.

The report pack detailed numerous noise complaints received by West Northamptonshire Council's Environmental Health team regarding Maya Lounge, dating back to May 2025. These complaints, from multiple households, cited excessive noise from amplified music. Council officers conducted visits, including out-of-hours monitoring, and observed significant noise nuisance. A noise abatement notice was served on the premises on 24 July 2025 under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, following which further complaints were received. Noise monitoring equipment was installed, and interviews were conducted with the company director, Mr Idriz Noka.

In addition to noise complaints, the Health Protection team alleged a failure to promote the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder. This was based on alleged non-compliance with the Health Act 2006, which requires premises to be smokefree. Officers reported witnessing smoking within the substantially enclosed rear area of the premises on multiple occasions, despite advice and warnings. The report noted that the premises had no planning permission for the covered shisha area, which was being investigated separately.

The report outlined the licensable activities authorised by the premises licence, including the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and various forms of music provision. It also detailed the premises' opening hours.

The sub-committee was presented with several options for action, including modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely. The report also referenced relevant extracts from statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which provides guidance on imposing conditions and considering representations related to licensing objectives.

The report pack included detailed appendices, such as the application for review, copies of the premises licence, and representations received. The application for review, submitted by Tanya Mingard, an Environmental Protection Officer for West Northamptonshire Council, detailed the history of noise complaints and the enforcement actions taken. The Health Protection Team's representation further elaborated on the alleged breaches of smokefree legislation.

The sub-committee was asked to consider the evidence presented and determine appropriate steps to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.