The Brighton and Hove Licensing Panel met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Surrey Street, and ultimately decided to grant the application as it was applied for, with conditions agreed with the police and environmental protection, and those from the operating schedule attached to the licence. Councillors heard from local residents, the licensing authority, and the applicants before making their decision. The panel determined that the premises would be an exception to the council's licensing policy, and would not negatively impact the area.

Surrey Street Licensing Application

The panel approved an application for a new premises licence for Surrey Street, 1 Surrey Street, Brighton BN1 3PA, permitting the sale of alcohol on and off the premises from 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Thursday, and 12:00 to 23:00 Friday and Saturday. The application also included live and recorded music, which is deregulated as the premises is licensed for the sale of alcohol.

The panel reviewed the application, supporting documents, and representations made by local residents and the licensing authority, and considered the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The application was for a casual & accessible deli / restaurant / wine bar that focuses on empowering local suppliers and producers . The premises is located within the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which means that new applications for premises licences will usually be refused following relevant representations. However, this presumption can be overturned if the applicant can demonstrate that their application will not have a negative cumulative impact¹.

Two representations and eight supporting representations were received from local residents and the licensing authority. Concerns were raised relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Conditions were agreed between Sussex Police, the Environmental Protection team, and the applicant, including no vertical drinking², restricted off-sales, and entertainment restrictions.

Several residents spoke in support of the application, stating that a well-run wine bar/deli would be a welcome addition to the local community, discourage anti-social behaviour, and create a safer environment through natural surveillance. The licensing authority raised concerns about the off-sales aspect of the application, as it was against policy.

The applicants stated that they were experienced operators with other hospitality premises in the city. They acknowledged the concerns about the off-sales element, but stated that it would be very limited, with premium products only. They also stated that they had put forward the restrictions to Sussex Police, who were happy with them. The applicants also mentioned that they would be collaborating with local creative businesses and organising rotating monthly chefs.

The panel decided to grant the application, stating that it was an exceptional case and not likely to add to negative cumulative impact. They noted that the off-licence element was unique, offering premium limited products, which enabled a departure from the matrix approach³. The panel also noted that the applicants were experienced and had agreed to a robust set of conditions with the police, which would promote the licensing objectives.