The Cheltenham Borough Council Licensing Subcommittee-Alcohol and Gambling granted a premises licence for Jebou at 4 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham. The decision was made after considering objections from local residents primarily concerning noise and public nuisance, with the committee ultimately finding the applicant's proposed operating model and agreed conditions to be sufficient to promote the licensing objectives.

Premises Licence for Jebou at 4 Montpellier Walk

The subcommittee granted a premises licence for Mr. Aaron Maximen's proposed establishment, Jebou, located at 4 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham, GL50 1SD. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol, performance of live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment.

The decision followed significant public objection, with 11 representations lodged against the application. The primary concerns raised by objectors, including residents Stuart Bradley and Katie Peters, centred on potential noise pollution, particularly from music and late-night customer activity, and the impact on nearby residential properties. Concerns were also raised about rubbish accumulation and the general disruption to the neighbourhood.

Mr. Maximen, the applicant, presented his case, emphasizing that Jebou would operate as a food-led tapas restaurant, not a bar or nightclub. He highlighted that music would be background ambient sound, intended to complement the dining experience, and that measures such as a decibel meter, soundproofing, and a Challenge 25 policy would be implemented to mitigate noise and prevent underage sales. He also noted that he had proactively engaged with residents through a Q&A session to address their concerns.

The subcommittee considered the applicant's proposed operating hours, which were reduced from the initial application following discussions. The final agreed hours for the sale of alcohol were Monday to Thursday, 9am to 11:30pm; Friday to Saturday, 9am to 12:30am; and Sunday, 9am to 10pm. Live music was permitted Monday to Thursday, 7pm to 11:30pm; Friday to Saturday, 7pm to 12:30am; and Sunday, 7pm to 10pm. Recorded music hours were Monday to Thursday, 9am to 11:30pm; Friday to Saturday, 9am to 1am; and Sunday, 9am to 10pm. Late-night refreshment was permitted Monday to Thursday, 11pm to 11:30pm, and Friday to Saturday, 11pm to midnight.

In their decision, the subcommittee stated that the opening hours mirrored those of other establishments in the street. They acknowledged the applicant's willingness to engage with the local community and the fact that he had agreed conditions with both the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Environmental Health prior to the hearing. The committee also noted that the applicant had taken fewer hours than entitled to and had adjusted his position in response to concerns raised. The subcommittee concluded that the applicant had demonstrated responsible behaviour and that environmental health could monitor the premises for any issues, with the licence being open to review. The decision was made with regard to the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ and statutory guidance².