The Licensing Sub Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to consider applications for premises licences. The meeting was scheduled to discuss applications for the Cardiff Bay Arena and Crunx Chicken.

Application for Premises Licence: Cardiff Bay Arena

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Cardiff Bay Arena, located at Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 4UW. The application was made by Live Nation (Music) UK Limited and sought to allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late-night refreshment. The proposed operating hours for the venue were Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 03:00, with licensable activities generally permitted until 02:00.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from South Wales Police, other persons, and a local resident. South Wales Police had raised objections concerning the prevention of crime and disorder, protection of children from harm, and prevention of public nuisance. Numerous other representations from local residents and ward councillors also raised concerns about the proposed hours, particularly regarding noise, public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the impact on the residential nature of the Atlantic Wharf area. These objections highlighted the proximity of the arena to residential properties and the potential for disturbance from late-night dispersal of large crowds. One representation in support of the application suggested that a professionally operated venue would be well-placed to promote licensing objectives and would enhance the vibrancy of Cardiff Bay.

The report pack outlined that the decision-making process would involve considering these representations with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. The committee could choose to grant the application, modify licence conditions, or reject the application.

Application for Premises Licence: Crunx Chicken

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Crunx Chicken, located at 22 Mackintosh Place, Cardiff, CF24 4RQ. The application, from Crunx Chicken Limited, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment indoors. The premises were described as a halal chicken takeaway with a customer waiting/seating area, kitchen, and toilet facilities. The initial proposed opening hours were Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 04:00, with late-night refreshment specifically requested between 23:00 and 04:00.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received from South Wales Police, Pollution Control, and a local ward councillor, along with a petition signed by local residents. South Wales Police raised objections concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm, recommending specific conditions such as CCTV installation and an incident log. Pollution Control objected on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance, citing concerns about noise from customers, delivery drivers, operational activities, and congregation outside the premises, particularly during the proposed late hours. The ward councillors and residents' petition also strongly opposed the 04:00 terminal hour, arguing it was excessive for a residential area and would exacerbate existing issues of noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour.

An amendment to the application was submitted by Crunx Chicken Limited, proposing a reduction in operating hours to 03:00 and outlining additional measures such as CCTV, a takeaway only policy, instructions for delivery drivers, noise management, litter control, and customer dispersal. The applicant expressed a commitment to operating responsibly and maintaining a positive relationship with the local community.

The committee was to determine the application, considering the representations and the proposed conditions, with the aim of promoting the four licensing objectives. The options available were to grant the application, modify licence conditions, or reject the application.