The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for Darts Knight, located at 27 Station Lane, Hornchurch. The licence permits the on-supply of alcohol from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 11pm, with the additional condition that alcohol sales must be ancillary to the booking of a lane for playing darts.

Application for a Premises Licence - Darts Knight

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for Darts Knight, a new business in Hornchurch's town centre that offers darts playing lanes and sells darts merchandise. The application sought permission for the on-supply of alcohol from Monday to Sunday, between 10am and 11pm.

The application received one representation against it, from Lewis Robson, Director of Motion Remedy, a neighbouring business. Mr. Robson raised concerns regarding public safety, harassment, noise disturbance, and the incompatibility of a daytime alcohol-serving venue with the existing mixed-use nature of the area, which includes healthcare premises, offices, and residential properties. He argued that the proposed business represented a fundamental change in the company's registered business model.

David Knight, the applicant and owner of Darts Knight, explained that the business is primarily a retail shop with eight playing lanes available for hire. Alcohol sales are intended as an additional offering for adult customers to enjoy while playing darts, not as the main focus of the business. He highlighted the strong support received from the local community, including over 400 signatures on an open letter. Mr. Knight detailed the measures in place to uphold the licensing objectives, such as a strict Challenge 25 policy, CCTV, a refusal log, staff training, and clear signage. He also confirmed that under-16s would need to be supervised by an adult and would not be sold alcohol.

During the discussion, councillors sought clarification on various operational aspects, including the capacity of the premises (45 people), the booking system, and the management of customers waiting for their booked lanes. Concerns were also raised about potential noise nuisance, particularly given the proximity of residential properties and the thin walls of the building. Mr. Knight assured the committee that noise would be managed through measures such as keeping doors shut, carpeting to absorb sound, and avoiding loud music. He also stated that the dartboards would be positioned away from the shared wall with Motion Remedy.

The applicant agreed to an additional condition proposed by the committee: that the sale of alcohol would only be made to customers for consumption inside the premises, and that this sale would be ancillary to the booking of a lane for the playing of darts.

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the premises licence with the agreed-upon condition. The reasons for the decision included the applicant's demonstration of awareness of the Cumulative Impact Zone¹ and the measures put in place to manage the business responsibly. The committee was satisfied that the applicant had rebutted the presumption that the licence would add to existing problems in the area, particularly with the added condition ensuring alcohol sales were secondary to the primary activity of playing darts.