The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 5 February 2026 to consider an application for the review of the premises licence for Mirage, located at 39A Buckingham Street, Aylesbury. Following detailed discussions and consideration of evidence, the Sub-Committee resolved to modify the conditions of the premises licence.

Review of Premises Licence for Mirage

The Sub-Committee considered an application for the review of the premises licence for Mirage, 39A Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2NQ, submitted by Trevor Hooper on behalf of the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. The review was initiated following an incident at the premises on 1 November 2025, with grounds for review relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

The Licensing Officer, Kerryann Ashton, presented the report. The Sub-Committee heard from various parties, including representatives for Mirage, Thames Valley Police, and individuals who had made relevant representations. After extensive discussions, including a period where the public were excluded to discuss exempt information, the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision.

The decision notice, issued on 11 February 2026, stated that the Sub-Committee had resolved to modify the conditions of the premises licence. The reasons provided indicated that the Sub-Committee had carefully considered all written and oral submissions. While suspension of the licence was considered due to the severity of the incident, the Sub-Committee noted that the Premises Licence Holder had acknowledged management failings and had already taken steps to address these, including replacing the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) and security staff. The new DPS and a representative from the new security company provided reassurance regarding strengthened measures to promote licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee also acknowledged the Premises Licence Holder's cooperation with the police and Licensing Authority and their agreement to stringent, enforceable conditions.

The modified conditions, which took effect from the end of the appeal period or the date an appeal was disposed of, included:

• The removal of Peter Michael as Designated Premises Supervisor.
• A requirement for a personal licence holder to be on duty at all times the premises is authorised to sell alcohol.
• Specific procedures to be followed in the event of a serious assault, including immediate notification to the police, preservation of the crime scene, and ensuring the safety of all persons present.
• The implementation of an incident log to record crimes, ejections, complaints, disorder, seizures of drugs or weapons, CCTV faults, refusals of alcohol sales, and visits by authorities.
• Mandatory ID scanning for all customers entering after 8:00 PM, with specific exceptions for pre-approved guests and pre-booked private events. Details recorded by the ID scanner system are to be made available to the Police and local authority upon request.
• The employment of a Customer Welfare Officer (CWO) to ensure customer care for vulnerable persons and training in the 'Ask for Angela' scheme. The CWO is to be easily identifiable and present at all times the premises is open.
• All customer-facing staff are required to complete training on promoting licensing objectives, welfare, and the 'Ask for Angela' scheme every 12 months, with records to be maintained.
• A minimum of three door supervisors are to be on duty at all times the premises is open, with specific numbers stationed outside during queuing and closing times.
• The licence holder must prepare and operate in accordance with written policies addressing searching, weapons, drugs, vulnerable persons, dispersal, and the roles and responsibilities of management, staff, and security.
• All drinking vessels used in the venue must be made from a sustainable material other than glass, with specific exceptions for certain wine and spirit bottles.
• A Challenge 25 proof of age scheme is to be operated, with recognised photographic identification cards as the only acceptable forms of identification.
• The premises must install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system in accordance with Thames Valley Police requirements, covering all entry and exit points, continually recording, and storing footage for a minimum of 31 days. A trained staff member must be available to provide recordings to authorised officers within 24 hours of a request.

The Sub-Committee considered these modified conditions to be reasonable and proportionate, sufficiently promoting the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.