Decision Maker: Licensing Sub Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 7, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Application Ref No: 25/01192/PREV Date of hearing: 7 November 2025   Sub-committee members: [Chair]:            Councillor Richard Wenham                   Councillor Glen Saffery   Officers:     Kevin Chin, Licensing                    Chinedu Njoku, Legal                    Barry Rennick, Democratic Services                    1.      This was an application for a variation of a premises licence in respect of:  Oddfellows, 14 Fearnley Street, Watford WD18 0RD   2.      The Sub-committee heard oral evidence from the following witnesses:   1.      Ms Kamila De Sa Teles – Objector and local resident 2.      Ms Cynthia Hall – Objector and local resident 3.      George Domleo – Applicant’s Solicitor 4.      Timothey Halpin – Applicant 5.      Daniel Howard – Applicant 6.      Letitia Jackson – Police, Responsible Authority             3.      The following persons were also present but took no part in the Hearing:   Daniel Pattenden Licensing Officer - Observer                            4.      The Sub-committee also took into account the representations from the following in their absence:             1.      Interested Parties as indicated in the report.   5.      The following representation was withdrawn prior to the Hearing:               None   6.      The Sub-committee took into account the following provisions of the Licensing Act 2003:   Sections:                          Sections 34 and 35 (variation of a premises licence)                                          The Licensing Act 2003 (Hearing) Regulations 2005 (as amended)             Reasons:                      These were the relevant sections of the Act for this application.   7.      The Sub-committee took into account the following provisions of the Secretary of State’s guidance under section 182 of the Act (February 2025):   Paragraphs:        Prevention of Crime and Disorder, paragraphs 2.1 – 2.7 Public Safety, paragraphs 2.8 – 2.20                             Prevention of Public Nuisance, paragraphs 2.21 – 2.27 Protection of Children from Harm, paragraphs 2.28 – 2.38                             Paragraphs 8.41 – 8.49 (steps to promote the licensing objectives and 8.66 (Licensing hours)                             Paragraphs 9.31 – 9.41 (Hearings)                             Paragraphs 9.42 – 9.44 (Determination)                               Chapter 10 (Conditions attached to premises licence)             Reasons:             These were the relevant paragraphs of the Secretary of State’s guidance for this application.   8.      The Sub-committee took into account the following provisions of its statement of licensing policy:   Paragraphs:                 Policy LP1 – Premises Definitions                                        Policy LP 2 – Location and operation of the premises                                       Policy LP6 – Prevention of Crime and Disorder Policy LP7 – Public Safety                                       Policy LP8 – Prevention of public nuisance                                       Policy LP9 – Protection of children from harm                                       Policy LP11 – Representations against applications Policy LP4 – Sensitive Licensing Areas (Whippendell Road between its junction with Cassio Road and Hagden Lane)   Reasons:                      These were the relevant policies of the Licensing Authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy.   9.      The Sub-committee did not depart from the guidance under section 182 of the Act.   10.    The Sub-committee did not make an exception to its statement of licensing policy.    11.    The Sub-Committee has resolved to grant the application for the variation of the Premises Licence in respect of the premises known as Oddfellows, 14 Fearnley Street, Watford WD18 0RD, as applied for and those agreed with the responsible authority.   Licensing Objectives Considered The Sub-Committee determined that all four licensing objectives were relevant to this application: ·                Prevention of crime and disorder ·                Prevention of public nuisance ·                Public safety ·                Protection of children from harm   Representations Reviewed The Sub-Committee considered all written representations and heard oral submissions from: ·                Ms. Kamila De Sa Teles and Ms. Cynthia – Objectors and local residents ·                Applicant’s Solicitor - George Domleo, Applicant -Timothy Halpin, and Representative -Daniel Haward ·                Ms. Letitia Jackson – Police Licensing Officer Local residents expressed concerns regarding crime and disorder, public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and public safety. They reported incidents of patrons behaving aggressively outside the premises, urinating in the street, broken glass found nearby, and noise levels that disrupted their enjoyment of their homes during weekends.   Ms. Jackson, on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary, supported the application. She confirmed that the premises had previously operated under eight Temporary Event Notices (TENs) replicating the hours sought in the variation application. These events were well managed, and no complaints were received. One incident occurred outside the premises during the last event on 25 October 2025, which was promptly reported and appropriately handled. Police raised no concerns regarding the management of the premises.   The Applicant’s Solicitor stated that the premises are part of the Star Pubs Group, which operates in over 38 cities. The premises is well managed, as confirmed by the Police, and no Responsible Authority objected to the application. The successful operation of previous TENs demonstrated that the premises is a responsible operator committed to working with residents. In addition to agreed conditions, it was discussed with the Designated Premises Supervisor that an additional condition may be agreed: no entry after 22:00 hours. They also agreed to provide the Designated Premises Supervisor’s (DPS) telephone number and email address to residents.   Sub-Committee Findings The Sub-Committee concluded that the premises is well run and compliant with existing licence conditions and licensing objectives. In determining the application, the Sub-Committee was mindful of its duty to ensure, on the balance of probabilities, that granting the variation would safeguard and promote the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee therefore grants the application to vary the Premises Licence, subject to: ·                All conditions proposed and agreed with Responsible Authorities   Reasoning and Legal Considerations The Sub-Committee is satisfied that this variation will allow the business to continue operating while ensuring that the licensing objectives are not undermined.   In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee had due regard to:   ·                The Licensing Act 2003 ·                The licensing objectives ·                Section 182 Guidance ·                The Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy ·                The Human Rights Act 1998 ·                The public sector equality duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 The Sub-Committee confirms that it has fulfilled its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and considered all written and oral evidence presented.   Advisory The Sub-Committee encourages the Applicant to: ·                Provide the DPS’s telephone number and email address to residents upon request. ·                Ensure full compliance with all conditions attached to the Premises Licence.       Right of Appeal   Under Schedule 5 of the Licensing Act 2003, the applicant, any responsible authority, or any person who made a relevant representation may appeal against this decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving this written notification.         Signed [Chair]:  Councillor Richard Wenham                             Councillor Glen Saffery   Date: 7 November 2025