The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council granted a variation to the premises licence for Jukebox, located at 72-74 South Street, Romford. The variation allows for extended opening hours, with alcohol sales permitted until 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and recorded music until 4:00 am. The committee also approved conditions regarding last entry, dispersal times, and other operational aspects.

Application for Premises Licence Variation for Jukebox

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application from Moonshine Entertainment Limited for a variation to the premises licence for Jukebox, located at 72-74 South Street, Romford. The application sought to extend the hours for various licensable activities, including the supply of alcohol and recorded music, and to amend opening hours.

The application proposed extending the hours for regulated entertainment, including recorded music, to 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, with recorded music continuing until 4:00 am. The premises would remain open until 4:00 am on these days. Alcohol sales were proposed to extend to 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also included provisions for non-standard timings for specific events throughout the year.

Representations were received from three responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police, Havering's Licensing Authority, and Havering's Environmental Health Service. All three expressed concerns regarding the proposed extended hours, particularly in relation to the premises' location within the Romford Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

The Metropolitan Police raised concerns about the potential for increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance due to the extended hours. They highlighted recent breaches of the current licence, including issues with staff training records, door supervisor documentation, and evidence of regulated entertainment continuing beyond authorised hours. Police records indicated a significant number of incidents linked to the premises occurring after midnight.

Havering's Licensing Authority echoed concerns about the cumulative impact on the CIZ and the potential for increased public nuisance. They noted that the proposed amendments to existing conditions, such as the noise and vibration clause and the requirement for door supervisors' attire, appeared to dilute current protections. The authority also raised questions about the validity of a drugs awareness qualification provided by the applicant.

Havering's Environmental Health Service expressed concerns about potential noise nuisance from customers leaving the premises during the extended hour, particularly impacting nearby residential properties and a new development adjacent to the venue. They argued that while the current operation until 3:00 am might be acceptable, extending this to 4:00 am increased the risk of public nuisance.

The applicant, represented by David Dadds, argued that Jukebox is a well-managed venue and the last remaining nightclub in Romford, contributing positively to the local economy and night-time economy. They contended that the extended hours would not add to cumulative impact as Jukebox would be the only venue open at that time. The applicant also presented evidence of community support, including letters from Andrew Rosindell MP, Romford BID, and local security services. They proposed additional conditions to mitigate concerns, such as no new admissions after 2:30 am and a gradual dispersal plan.

Following deliberation, the Sub-Committee granted the variation application. The decision was to permit extended hours until 3:30 am for regulated entertainment and alcohol sales on Fridays and Saturdays, with a last admission time of 2:30 am and dispersal to conclude by 3:30 am. Specific conditions, including those offered by the applicant and agreed upon during the hearing, were attached to the licence.