The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence to Darts Knight Ltd, located at 27 Station Lane, Hornchurch, for the on-supply of alcohol from 10am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. The committee added a condition to the licence stipulating that alcohol sales must be ancillary to the booking of a lane for playing darts. The applicant, David Knight, agreed to this condition.

Darts Knight Premises Licence Application

The sub-committee considered an application for a premises licence for Darts Knight Ltd, a darts shop and playing venue in Hornchurch. The application sought permission for the on-supply of alcohol from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. The Licensing Officer's Report noted that the location is in a mixed-use area with residential properties above the commercial units.

David Knight, the applicant and owner of Darts Knight, explained that the business is a retail shop selling darts merchandise with eight playing lanes available for hourly hire. He stated that alcohol sales were intended as an additional offer for adult customers while they are playing darts, with under-16s needing supervision and under-18s not being served alcohol. He also stated that the venue would operate a Challenge 25 policy¹. Mr Knight emphasised the support received from the local community, including Julia Lopez, the local MP from Hornchurch and Upminster, and businesses such as Everyone Active and British Gas. He also highlighted the measures taken to support the four licensing objectives², including CCTV, staff training, and a refusal log.

Cumulative Impact Zone

The committee noted that the premises is within a cumulative impact zone³. Councillor Jane Keane, Licensing Vice Chair, asked Mr Knight if he had read the licensing policy on cumulative impact zones for Hornchurch. Mr Knight confirmed that he understood the policy and that his business was not focused on alcohol, but that the licence would help during quieter times. He added that customers would need to book a lane to be able to buy alcohol.

Objections

The committee heard that one representation had been received from a neighbouring business, Motion Remedy, a massage and rehabilitation clinic, raising concerns about public safety, noise disturbance, and incompatibility with local businesses. Paul Jones, Hayring's Public Protection Officer, read out an email from Mr Robson of Motion Remedy, who was not present at the meeting. Mr Robson's email stated:

I must note, however, that the applicant has made no mention of SIA-licensed security staff, despite proposing to open until 2300 within a cumulative impact zone. Relying on general staff alone is not, in my view, sufficient to prevent crime and disorder or to manage late-night dispersal.

Mr Jones clarified that there is no requirement in the Licensing Act 2003 for SIA-licensed security staff unless the premises requires such management, such as high-density pubs or nightclubs where the main purpose of visiting is to consume alcohol.

Mr Knight addressed the concerns raised by Motion Remedy, stating that he would have a strict zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or inappropriate behaviour, and that CCTV would be installed to support public safety. He also stated that the dartboards would be placed on the opposite wall to the shared wall with Motion Remedy to minimise noise disturbance.

Conditions

Councillor Keane asked Mr Knight if he would be happy with a condition that the sale of alcohol is ancillary to a lane being booked for the purpose of playing darts. Mr Knight agreed to this condition.

Decision

The sub-committee granted the premises licence with the additional condition that the sale of alcohol be ancillary to a lane being booked for the purpose of playing darts.