The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Friday 25 September 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was a new premises licence application for Ahenfie Restaurant and Lounge. The meeting also included procedural items such as the appointment of a chairman and declarations of interest.

Hearing for New Premises Licence Application - Ahenfie Restaurant and Lounge

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Ahenfie Restaurant and Lounge, located at 34 Kingsley Park Terrace, Northampton, NN2 7HG. The application, submitted by Miss Eugenia Boateng, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, late-night refreshment, and various forms of regulated entertainment including live music, recorded music, and performances of dance.

The applicant had initially proposed opening hours until 03:30 daily. However, following discussions with Environmental Health at West Northamptonshire Council, some proposed timings for entertainment were reduced. The revised timings included:

• Late Night Refreshment: Sunday to Saturday, 23:00 – 03:00
• Sale of Alcohol: Sunday to Saturday, 08:00 – 03:00
• Regulated Entertainment: Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 – midnight (00:00); Friday to Saturday, 08:00 – 02:00
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Saturday, 08:00 – 03:30

The report pack indicated that the applicant, Miss Eugenia Boateng, wished to be the designated premises supervisor but had not yet provided details of a personal licence. A premises licence would not be issued without an approved personal licence.

The application had generated significant public interest, with one representation received from a responsible authority, the West Northamptonshire Council's Environmental Protection team, and twelve relevant representations from members of the public.

The core issues scheduled for consideration revolved around potential noise nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. Concerns raised by residents and the Environmental Protection team included:

• Excessive noise from music late into the evening.
• Noise from customers leaving the premises or congregating outside.
• Increased taxi and general traffic noise in the early hours.
• Potential for increased littering and disturbance.
• Concerns about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and public safety.
• Sleep disruption for local residents and those at a nearby nursing home.
• Issues with HGVs double-parking and blocking roads.

The report pack outlined the steps the sub-committee could take, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a premises supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The decision-making process was to be guided by 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. The sub-committee was also reminded of the legal implications and the need to consider the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026.

The report pack also detailed correspondence between the applicant's agent, Patrick Burke, and council officers, including Gavin Smith from Environmental Health and PC David Bryan from the Alcohol Licensing Constable team. These communications indicated that agreements had been reached regarding reduced hours for regulated entertainment and the close of business, as well as proposed noise conditions. However, the Environmental Protection team had initially lodged an objection due to insufficient information to demonstrate support for the public nuisance licensing objective, specifically concerning the agreement on noise conditions.

The agenda also included an item regarding the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting for specific business, should the members decide it was necessary due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.