The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Kingswood Local. The meeting will also involve noting the hearing procedure rules.

New Premises Licence Application for Kingswood Local

The primary focus of the meeting is to consider an application for a new premises licence for Kingswood Local, located at 3 Kingswood Parade, Marlow Bottom, Marlow, SL7 3NT. The application, submitted under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003¹, seeks to allow the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM, seven days a week. The premises are also proposed to be open to the public during these hours.

The report pack indicates that while the Chief Officer of Police, the Fire and Rescue Authority, and the Local Planning Authority have raised no objections, one objection has been received from an interested party. This objection centres on the licensing objective of the protection of children from harm. The objector highlights the premises' proximity to a well-used school transport pick-up and drop-off point, expressing concern that granting an alcohol licence could expose children to alcohol-related activity and behaviour. The Licensing Officer's observations note that the key issue for the Sub-Committee will be to determine if this representation establishes an evidential basis for concluding that the grant would undermine the protection of children from harm.

The Sub-Committee will need to consider the council's adopted Licensing Policy, published in March 2022, which outlines the authority's commitment to strengthening communities, improving the environment, protecting the vulnerable, and increasing prosperity. The policy emphasises the importance of promoting 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 report pack details proposed conditions for the licence, agreed upon through discussions with the applicant's agent. These include measures for staff training on licensing objectives, the installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, the keeping of an incident log, and restrictions on the sale of super-strength alcohol. Conditions relating to public safety include ensuring exit routes are unobstructed and fire safety measures are in place. For the protection of children from harm, a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme is proposed, with specific acceptable forms of identification.

The Sub-Committee will also note the hearing procedure rules and virtual licensing subcommittee procedural rules, as outlined in the Agenda frontsheet 04th-Aug-2026 10.30 Licensing Premises Sub-Committee. These rules govern how virtual hearings will be conducted, including provisions for participation, the order of business, and decision-making processes.