The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee granted a new premises licence for Stables Cafe, allowing the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. This decision was made despite numerous objections from local residents concerned about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children.

Stables Cafe Premises Licence Application

The committee granted the application for a new premises licence for Stables Cafe, located at 1-1A The Stables, Bridle Road, Arborfield Green, RG2 9QT. The licence permits the supply of alcohol for both on-site consumption and off-site sales, including delivery, between 10:00 and 21:00 daily. The premises will be open to the public from 08:00 to 21:00.

The applicant, Coffee Artisan Limited, represented by The Licensing Guys, sought to enhance their existing café and bistro offering by including alcoholic refreshments. The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is Mr. Paul Scarrott.

Arguments for Granting the Licence:

The applicant's representatives, Nick Semper and Chris Luton, argued that the application was modest and aimed to build on the cafe's existing success. They highlighted that the application arose from customer feedback and that the sale of alcohol would complement their food and drink menus. They emphasised that Stables Cafe is a community hub and not intended to be a late-night establishment. They also pointed out that none of the responsible authorities, such as Thames Valley Police or Environmental Health, had raised any objections, suggesting that the proposed operating schedule adequately addressed licensing objectives. The applicant also submitted a revised operating schedule and a letter to objectors, attempting to address concerns.

Arguments Against Granting the Licence:

Ten representations were received from local residents, expressing significant concerns about the potential impact on the licensing objectives. Key objections included:

• Protection of Children from Harm and Public Safety: Residents highlighted the cafe's location within a densely populated residential area, immediately adjacent to a primary school and a popular children's play area. Concerns were raised about children being exposed to intoxicated behaviour, litter, and potential anti-social behaviour if alcohol were sold, particularly with off-sales and deliveries. The risk of increased drink-driving in a residential area was also a major concern.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Residents cited existing parking issues and traffic congestion caused by the cafe's current operation. They feared that the addition of alcohol sales and extended hours would exacerbate these problems, leading to increased noise, disturbance, litter, and general nuisance, especially in the evenings.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised that off-sales and deliveries could lead to alcohol consumption in public spaces, potentially resulting in littering and anti-social behaviour.

Several objectors, including Esther Cheung, Mr. Chui King Hei, Siu Ngan Eunice Chau Kin Fan Lai Ying Tung Kira Lai, Chia-Rung Hsu, Hsin-Ta Wu, Kirsty Harris, Sam Hendra, and Mr. Lee, detailed their specific concerns. They argued that the area was developed as a quiet, family-oriented community and that the sale of alcohol would fundamentally change its character. They also questioned the necessity of alcohol sales for the cafe's success and suggested that commercial interests should not outweigh residents' wellbeing.

Decision:

Despite the objections, the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee, chaired by Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, with Councillors Chris Cooke and Jackie Rance also present, decided to grant the licence as applied for. The decision document states: To grant the licence as applied for. This indicates that no modifications or additional conditions were imposed beyond those already proposed by the applicant in their operating schedule.