The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers public house. The committee decided to suspend the licence with immediate effect pending a full review, following concerns raised by the police regarding serious crime and disorder at the premises.

The Chequers Public House Licence Suspended

The Licensing Sub-Committee has suspended the premises licence for The Chequers, located at 121 North Street, Hornchurch, with immediate effect. This decision was made during an expedited review hearing held on Tuesday 17 March 2026, following an application by the Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough. The police certified that the premises were associated with serious crime or serious disorder, necessitating urgent consideration under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003¹.

The purpose of the hearing was to determine whether interim steps were necessary pending a full review of the licence. The committee considered the available interim steps, which included modification of licence conditions, exclusion of alcohol sales, removal of the designated premises supervisor, or suspension of the licence.

The police contended that violent disorder occurred at The Chequers in the early hours of Wednesday 11 March 2026 into Thursday 12 March 2026. The report detailed that the incident involved approximately ten people from two groups, with punches, kicks, and the use of chairs as weapons. First aid was administered to one individual who sustained a head injury. Crucially, no SIA door staff were working at the time, as required by the licence, and bar staff later refused to provide statements to the police. Furthermore, the venue did not contact the police for assistance, and no entry was made in their incident logbook. CCTV footage also suggested that the premises had been operating outside of its licensable hours and habitually supplying alcohol after hours.

PC Chris Stockman, attached to the Havering Licensing Department, presented the police's concerns. The subcommittee was informed that the police strongly believed there was a high possibility of further serious crime and disorder if the premises remained open due to poor management. The level of violence observed was described as relatively very serious compared to typical pub altercations.

The subcommittee was satisfied that the incident met the criteria for serious crime under Section 81(3) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, with a certificate provided by Superintendent Sharon Brind.

After considering the available interim steps, the subcommittee found that modifications to the licence conditions would not be sufficient to allay the risk of serious crime and disorder. They also deemed the exclusion of alcohol sales and the removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor ineffective in preventing further issues. Consequently, the subcommittee decided that the suspension of the licence was the most appropriate interim measure to prevent further serious crime and disorder.

The full review of the licence must be conducted within 28 days of the application being received. The subcommittee advised the licence holder to seek legal advice. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Philippa Crowder, with Councillor Christine Smith (Vice Chair) and Councillor Jane Keane also in attendance. Mr Mann from Legal Services provided advice.