The Licensing Sub-Committee of North Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Haven Play Café. The committee will review the application and any representations received before making a decision.

Haven Play Café Premises Licence Application

The main item scheduled for discussion is an application for a new premises licence for Haven Play Café, located at 71-75 High Street, Thrapston NN14 4JJ. The application, received on 20 September 2026, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between Monday and Sunday, from 08:00 to 00:00. The premises would also be open to the public during these hours.

The report pack indicates that two representations have been received, both opposing the application. These representations primarily raise concerns about the potential for public nuisance, specifically noise and disturbance during the evening and late at night from customers leaving the premises and associated activities. One representation notes that the proposed hours and sale of alcohol could significantly change the nature of the premises, which currently operates as a café and play café situated close to residential properties. The representations suggest that the council should carefully consider whether alcohol needs to be available until midnight every day, given the location and current use of the premises.

The Sub-Committee, comprising Councillor Lee Duffy, Councillor Denis McLean, and Councillor Chris Munday, will need to consider the application in line with the Licensing Act 2003, the Council's Licensing Policy 2022-2027, and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Act. The report pack outlines that the Sub-Committee may choose to grant the licence with operating schedule and mandatory conditions, grant it with further necessary conditions, or refuse the application in its entirety or in part. Any decision must be evidence-based and proportionate to the promotion of 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 also highlights that the licensing regime aims to minimise negative community impacts and that the North Northamptonshire Council's Corporate Plan includes an objective of Creating safe and thriving places.

The report pack includes several appendices detailing the application, a plan of the premises, emailed representations, and a map showing the location of the premises. The application form itself details the proposed operating hours for both alcohol sales and public opening, and outlines the steps the applicant intends to take to promote the four licensing objectives. These steps include training staff on responsible alcohol sales, operating a Challenge 25 policy, maintaining the premises to ensure safety, minimising noise and disturbance, and ensuring children are protected through supervision and age verification.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 9 November 2026 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber, Cedar Drive, Thrapston. Further details about the meeting can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.