The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday 6 January 2011 to consider an application for a premises licence for McQueens, located at 160 Station Road, Chingford. The meeting's agenda focused on the details of this application and the procedure for licensing sub-committees.

Application for a Premises Licence at McQueens

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for McQueens, located at 160 Station Road, Chingford, E4 6AN. The applicants, Mr John and Miss Jane Falco, sought to permit alcohol sales for consumption on the premises, recorded music, and facilities for dancing.

The report pack indicated that representations opposing the application had been received from seven interested parties. These objections were based on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and preventing public nuisance. The sub-committee was asked to consider the application and decide whether to grant it in full, grant it in part, or refuse it.

The report detailed the legal framework under the Licensing Act 2003, which requires a hearing when representations are made. It also outlined the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which aims 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. The policy states that conditions attached to licences should be tailored to individual premises and only those necessary to meet the licensing objectives will be imposed.

The report also noted that the application fee of £190.00 had been received and that there was no reason to believe that granting the application would have an adverse effect on gender, race, or disability groups.

The report pack included the premises licence application form, a plan of the premises, a public notice, representations from interested parties, and a map showing the premises' location.

Procedure at Licensing Sub-Committees

The meeting also included a discussion on the procedure at Licensing Sub-Committees. This outlined the steps involved in a hearing, including introductions, the outlining of procedures by the committee lawyer, the presentation of the report by the licensing officer, and the presentation of cases by the applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties. It also detailed the process for summing up cases and the sub-committee retiring to make its decision.