The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 09 April 2026 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers public house. The committee decided to suspend the licence for four weeks, remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), and impose a series of new conditions.

Review of The Chequers Premises Licence

The meeting considered an application for an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers, located at 121 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1JF. The review was initiated by the Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough following an incident of violent disorder at the premises in the early hours of March 11, 2026. An interim hearing on March 17, 2026, had resulted in the suspension of the licence pending this final determination.

Representations were received from the police, the licensing authority, and Havering's Child Welfare Department, all supporting the review. A representation was also received from a customer of the pub.

The police contended that the violent disorder, coupled with subsequent licensing failures, necessitated the review. The Licensing Act 2003^¹^ allows for expedited reviews under Section 53A when a senior police officer believes that a premises licence holder has failed to uphold the licensing objectives. The potential actions the subcommittee could take included modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the DPS, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

During the hearing, the police presented evidence, including CCTV footage and till receipts, suggesting sales of alcohol after the licensed hours. The licensing authority expressed concerns about the adherence to operating hours and the potential for a culture of illegality arising from after-hours sales. They also highlighted the need for clearer, more enforceable conditions and suggested the possibility of an external party overseeing licensing inspections due to resource limitations within the authority.

The defence, representing the licence holder, argued that the existing conditions on the licence were outdated and unenforceable. They highlighted the long history of the premises operating without a review and suggested that the incident was an isolated event. They proposed a series of revised and new conditions, including the serving of draft beer and cider in toughened glass, specific requirements for SIA-approved door staff during high-profile football matches, and a condition that no persons under 18 are allowed on the premises after 7:00 PM. They also proposed that Danielle Cossard, who has worked at the premises for nine years, would become the new Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

Lisa Kennedy, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Havering's Children's Services, raised concerns about child safety, particularly in relation to the incident and the potential for after-hours sales occurring while children might be present.

The subcommittee deliberated on the evidence presented and the arguments made by all parties. Ultimately, the decision was made to suspend the licence for four weeks. The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) was removed, and the licence was modified to include all agreed conditions discussed during the hearing. These additional conditions include measures related to WAVE (Women's Aid Violence Education) and Ask for Angela schemes, staff training, and CCTV covering both entrances of the public house in full length and glasses. These new conditions replace the interim steps imposed following the expedited hearing on March 17, 2026. Full written reasons for the decision and details of the imposed conditions will be sent to all parties within five working days.