The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Kaja Lounge. The sub-committee will also discuss the potential exclusion of the press and public from part of the meeting.

New Premises Licence Application - Kaja Lounge

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Kaja Lounge, located at 6 Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 7AE. The application, submitted by Mr Saimer Hyka, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment including live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours for these activities are from 12:00 to 02:00 daily, with the premises open to the public until 02:30.

The report pack indicates that while no representations were received from responsible authorities, three objections have been lodged by members of the public. These objections raise concerns primarily related to the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance, citing potential noise from music, patrons, and catering, as well as light pollution. Concerns have also been raised regarding public safety, including potential overcrowding and inadequate fire exits, and the risk of increased crime and disorder due to late-night alcohol consumption. Objections also touch upon the protection of children from harm, with worries about underage drinking and exposure to adult entertainment and foul language.

The sub-committee has a range of options to consider, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The report pack highlights that any conditions attached to licences must be tailored to the individual characteristics of the premises and events, and that licensing authorities should consider the need to promote growth and deliver economic benefits. It also reiterates the importance of promoting 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 application is being considered in line with the South Northamptonshire Statement of Licensing Policy 2020 - 2025. The report also details the legal implications of the Licensing Act 2003, including the requirement for hearings when relevant representations are received and the steps the sub-committee can take to promote the licensing objectives. It references statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the 2003 Act, which advises that decisions should be evidence-based, justified, and proportionate, and that conditions should be tailored to the specific circumstances of the premises.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda also includes an item concerning the potential exclusion of the press and public from a portion of the meeting. This is in relation to reports containing exempt information, as defined by the Local Government Act 1972. Should the sub-committee decide to exclude the press and public, it would be on the grounds that disclosing such information would be likely to be prejudicial to the public interest, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.