The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Premier Hedgerley. The committee will also review the hearing procedure rules.

Premier Hedgerley Premises Licence Variation

A key item on the agenda is the consideration of an application to vary the premises licence for Premier Hedgerley, located at 2 Hedgerley Hill, Hedgerley, Slough, SL2 3RP. The application, submitted by Manmeet Singh Khaneja, seeks to extend the authorised hours for the sale of alcohol and the premises' opening times.

The proposed variation would allow alcohol sales and for the premises to be open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. This is an extension from the current hours, which are 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Sundays. The application also includes proposed additional measures to promote the licensing objectives, which have been translated into licence conditions.

A representation has been received from Councillor David Moore, the Ward Councillor for Farnhams & Stoke Poges. Councillor Moore has objected to the application on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The representation highlights concerns that extending alcohol sales to 6:00 AM daily could have a detrimental impact within a residential village setting, and that insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the variation will not adversely affect the licensing objectives. Local residents have also expressed concerns to the Ward Councillor.

The report pack notes that the Chief Officer of Police has raised no objection to the application. Other responsible authorities, including the Licensing Authority, Fire and Rescue Authority, Local Planning Authority, Local Environmental Health Authority, Weights and Measures Authority, Safeguarding and Child Protection Unit, and the Primary Care Trust, have not submitted a response.

The committee will consider the application in light of the Buckinghamshire Council's adopted Licensing Policy¹ and national guidance issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003². 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 outlines the options available to the Licensing Sub-Committee, which include granting the variation with conditions, rejecting the application entirely, or granting it with different conditions for different parts of the premises or licensable activities. Any conditions imposed must be appropriate and proportionate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Hearing Procedure Rules

The committee is also scheduled to note the hearing procedure rules and virtual licensing subcommittee procedural rules. These rules govern how hearings are conducted, particularly in a remote setting, and cover aspects such as the administration of hearings, attendance, the role of the Chairman, and the process for making decisions. The rules are in place to ensure fair and orderly proceedings in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003³.