The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden) in Remenham. The committee will also formally elect a Chair for the meeting.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Old Blades (Garden)

The main item scheduled for discussion is an application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden), located at Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley on Thames, RG9 3DB. The applicant, FIELD VISION BARS (Limited Company 13227729), represented by Mr Daniel Gardner, is seeking to increase the licensed capacity of the premises from 500 to 1,000 attendees. The application covers the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment (indoors and outdoors), and the provision of late-night refreshment, primarily during the dates of the Henley Royal Regatta.

The proposed operating hours include:

• Regulated Entertainment: 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.
• Supply of Alcohol: 10:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.
• Late Night Refreshment: 23:00 to 00:00 Monday to Saturday.
• Opening Times: 09:00 to 00:30 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

The report pack details that the premises has previously operated under a licence (PR0288) with a capacity of 500, often supplemented by Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to reach a capacity of 999. This new application aims to formalise a higher capacity.

The application has generated several representations from interested parties, including Remenham Parish Council, Remenham Farm, Ron Emerson (representing Remenham Farm Residents' Association), David Law (a resident of Remenham Lane), and Michael Dudley (also a resident of Remenham Lane). Key concerns raised in these representations include:

• Increased Capacity: Objections to doubling the capacity from 500 to 1,000, citing potential safety and nuisance issues due to the narrow footpath access beside the River Thames and the steep climb to Remenham Lane.
• Extended Alcohol Sales: Opposition to the proposed alcohol sales until midnight, with some suggesting 23:00 as more consistent with other local licences and less likely to cause nuisance.
• Public Safety Concerns: Worries about the safety of attendees, particularly when potentially inebriated, navigating the narrow, unfenced, and unlit footpath by the river, and the steep path to Remenham Lane. The lack of public transport and on-site parking is also highlighted.
• Public Nuisance: Concerns about attendees spilling onto public footpaths, difficulties for other walkers, and the potential for amplified music to be excessively loud.
• Site Plan Discrepancy: Remenham Farm has raised an objection regarding a proposed 15m x 15m store shown on the submitted site plan, which they state has not been discussed or agreed upon and is not available for the operator's use.

The applicant has outlined proposed measures to promote the four licensing objectives, including capacity control, SIA registered security, a limit of four drinks per transaction, working with licensed lifeguards, an egress plan, a Challenge 25 policy, and prohibiting under 18s from entering the area.

The committee will consider the application in accordance with Section 18(4) of the Licensing Act 2003, taking into account the representations received and the need to promote the four licensing objectives: the Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Public Safety; the Prevention of Public Nuisance; and the Protection of Children from Harm. The options available to the Sub-Committee are to grant the application in full, grant it with modifications, or reject it.

The report pack includes appendices detailing the application form, photographs of site notices, previous premises licences, and all representations received.

The meeting will also follow a formal hearing procedure, as outlined in the agenda annex, which includes the election of a Chair, declarations of interest, and the presentation of the application and any representations.

The report pack can be found at Public reports pack 17th-Jun-2026 13.45 Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee. The agenda frontsheet is available at Agenda frontsheet 17th-Jun-2026 13.45 Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee.