The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for Senza Fondeli, located at 50 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The decision was made after considering objections from local residents regarding potential noise and nuisance, and was subject to additional conditions agreed with Environmental Health.

Premises Licence Granted for Senza Fondeli

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence for Senza Fondeli, located at 50 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells[^1]. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with public opening hours extending to 11:30 p.m.

The decision followed a hearing where the applicant, Joe Worthington, presented his case for the food-led restaurant and deli. Mr Worthington, who also resides in The Pantiles with his family, emphasised that Senza Fondeli would not be a bar or a late-night drinking venue, but a dining establishment where alcohol sales would complement the food offering. He highlighted his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including the successful operation of a similar venue, Senza Fondo, in Shoreditch, London. He assured the committee that the business would be run responsibly, with a focus on genuine hospitality and community integration.

Concerns were raised by objector Mr Jan Kucera, a resident of The Pantiles, regarding potential noise disturbance from music and an extractor fan, as well as the impact on his school-aged children's ability to sleep and complete homework. Mr Kucera also expressed worries about fumes from the kitchen extractor and the positioning of CCTV cameras. He noted that the building's wooden structure could facilitate the travel of sound.

Mr Worthington addressed these concerns by explaining that a comprehensive Noise Management Plan had been agreed with Environmental Health. This plan includes regular external noise checks, a complaints log, and a requirement for customers to leave quietly. The outdoor seating area would be cleared by 11 p.m. He also clarified that music would be ancillary to the dining experience and not excessively loud, stating, My old boss told me that you should hear the table next to you speaking but not know what they're saying, that's the perfect level for music. [^2] He further explained that the extractor fan would be fitted with carbon filters to dispel aromas and that the CCTV cameras could be repositioned or their footage shared if necessary.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Lynne Darrah and including Councillors Diane Hill and Hugh Patterson, considered the arguments from both the applicant and the objector. They also took into account the guidance from the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003[^3] and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy[^4].

Ultimately, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application as submitted, with the addition of the conditions previously agreed between the applicant and Environmental Health. These conditions are designed to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. The written decision, detailing the reasons for this determination, was to be provided within five working days.