The Licensing Sub-Committee of Croydon Council was scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence for The George PH. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application to Vary Premises Licence at The George PH

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a variation to the premises licence for The George PH, located at 17-21 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LA. The application, submitted by JD Wetherspoon plc, sought several changes:

• Vary the plan of the premises: This included alterations and a new layout for the main bar, modifications to the wash-up area, removal of a second bar to create additional customer space, conversion of a second cellar into a staff room, and the installation of new walk-in cold stores.
• Add St. Patrick's Day as a non-standard timing: This would allow for an additional hour of licensable activities on St. Patrick's Day.
• Vary the wording of Condition 5 in Annex 2 of the premises licence: The proposed change would extend the hours during which children may remain on the premises. The original condition stated that children must vacate the licensed area by 21:00 daily, unless consuming a meal, in which case they must vacate by 21:30. The proposed variation sought to extend this to 22:00 daily, or 22:30 if consuming a meal.

The report pack indicated that representations had been received regarding this application, necessitating a hearing. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ was to be considered, particularly sections relating to the promotion of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Representations were made by Councillor Paul Ainscough and Councillor Ria Patel. Councillor Ainscough expressed concern that the applicant's operating schedule failed to provide sufficient detail on how the extended hours for children would be managed, highlighting potential safeguarding issues such as exposure to inappropriate language and behaviour. He requested that the application be refused or, alternatively, be subject to stringent conditions including a detailed safeguarding policy, staff training, and clear supervision arrangements.

Councillor Patel also raised concerns regarding the licensing objectives of the protection of children from harm and public safety. She noted the generic response provided by the applicant for all four licensing objectives, stating that existing management practices will continue to operate. Councillor Patel highlighted the need for more detailed and considered responses, especially concerning the protection of children during the extended hours. She also expressed concern about past incidents at The George and questioned the effectiveness of current public safety measures, requesting further reassurance and a comprehensive management plan.

The committee was asked to determine whether to grant the application for a variation to the premises licence. The options available were to grant the application, vary the application with or without further conditions, or refuse the application.