The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Tuesday 7 October 2025 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for BrewDog in Upminster. The meeting was adjourned to allow for further investigation into noise levels and clarification of application details.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for BrewDog

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application from Bailey's Bar Limited, trading as BrewDog Upminster, to vary its premises licence. The proposed changes included extending alcohol sales to commence from 10 am daily, adjusting Thursday door staff requirements, and aligning outdoor recorded music hours with deregulated times.

The application received no objections from residents or neighbouring businesses. However, Havering's Environmental Health Noise Team, represented by Public Protection Officer George Pater, raised concerns about potential public nuisance from amplified music played on the premises' rooftop terrace. Mr. Pater proposed the inclusion of a condition requiring the premises to operate within the bounds of a noise management plan.

BrewDog's representative, Errol Kiani, the owner and proprietor, stated that while he understood the concerns, he had not received any noise complaints in the three years of operation. He explained that amplified music on the roof terrace was infrequent and that efforts were made to direct sound away from residential areas. Mr. Kiani expressed reservations about agreeing to a strict five-decibel limit above ambient noise, as he felt it might not be achievable on the few occasions live music or DJs were hosted. He suggested a compromise of a ten-decibel limit for these specific events.

During the discussion, it became apparent that the existing licence already contained a condition limiting amplified outdoor music to 5dB(A) above background noise levels. However, the deregulation of certain music activities under the Deregulation Act 2015 meant that this condition was not fully enforceable during specific hours. The Environmental Health officer emphasised the importance of a noise management plan as a way to formalise and enforce operational procedures related to noise, regardless of deregulated hours.

The committee noted that the Environmental Health team's equipment for measuring acoustics was undergoing calibration, preventing them from conducting immediate ambient noise readings. Councillor Jane Keane highlighted that the application itself contained conflicting information regarding timings for alcohol sales and kitchen opening hours, and that the door staff requirements also needed clarification.

Due to the need for further information regarding noise levels and clarification on the application details, the committee decided to adjourn the meeting. The adjournment was agreed to allow the Environmental Health officer to obtain accurate ambient noise readings, potentially by hiring equipment, and to provide a more detailed report to the committee. The applicant and the Environmental Health officer were encouraged to continue discussions to reach a compromise on noise management. The meeting was adjourned to a date to be determined.