The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee for Buckinghamshire Council convened a video conference meeting to note hearing procedure rules and virtual licensing subcommittee procedural rules, and to consider an application for a review of a premises licence. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday 25 September 2025, with Councillors Dean Field, Phil Gomm, and Paul Griffin listed as members.

The Bricklayers Arms, Aylesbury

The central item for consideration was an application for the review of the premises licence for The Bricklayers Arms, located at 19 Walton Terrace, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QY. The application for review was made under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Kerryann Ashton, Licensing Officer for Buckinghamshire Council, prepared a report for the sub-committee, outlining the background to the review.

Background

The Public reports pack notes that The Bricklayers Arms is located in Aylesbury town centre, among other licensed venues and residential flats. The original premises licence, granted in 2005, permitted the sale of alcohol from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 to 22:30 on Sundays. This licence was transferred in November 2014 to Desmond John Power and Michelle Mountney, and again in September 2019 to Desmond John Power, the current licence holder and Designated Premises Supervisor.

In April 2024, a major variation to the premises licence was requested to allow recorded music, both indoors and outdoors, until 01:00. This was granted by a Licensing Sub-Committee on 14 May 2024.

The current licence authorises:

• The sale of alcohol from midday to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and midday to 00:30 Friday and Saturday.
• Recorded music (indoors) from 09:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 00:30 Friday and Saturday.
• Recorded music (outdoors) from 15:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, from 15:00 to 01:00 on Fridays, and midday to 01:00 on Saturdays.
• Live music (indoors) from 09:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 00:00 Friday and Saturday.
• Live music (outdoors) from 19:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays, and 13:00 to 20:00 on Sundays.
• Opening hours are 09:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 01:30 Friday to Saturday.

Grounds for Review

The review of the licence was requested by Buckinghamshire Council's Environmental Protection Team, citing concerns over the prevention of public nuisance. The team's investigation into noise complaints, according to the report, found evidence of a statutory nuisance¹, as well as failures to uphold legal duties under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Review is sought following an investigation into noise nuisance complaints by the Environmental Protection Team, which the evidence found to support the existence of a statutory nuisance, as well as a failure to uphold the legal duties as set out under the Licensing Act 2003.

-- Public reports pack

Representations

The council received 92 objections and four representations of support relating to the review application. The objections cited the prevention of public nuisance as the primary concern. Some of the representations requested anonymity.

Licensing Officer's Observations

Kerryann Ashton's report noted that the representations received raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance. The Environmental Health Protection Team suggested revoking articles under the Live Music Act 2012 and Recorded Music Act 2014, to ensure that entertainment at the premises is regulated. They also suggested that noise from regulated entertainment in external areas should be kept at background level², and that external doors and windows should be closed during performances, except for access and egress.

Policy Considerations

The report pack included consideration of Buckinghamshire Council's Licensing Policy Statement, published in March 2022, and the National Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. These documents outline 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 noted the council's policy to balance the interests of businesses and residents, encouraging high standards of management in licensed premises. It stated that the licensing authority would take into account whether the licensee can demonstrate knowledge of best practice, has sought and implemented advice from responsible authorities, and can run their business lawfully and in accordance with good business practices.

Options Available to the Sub-Committee

The report outlined the options available to the Licensing Sub-Committee, including:

• Modifying the conditions of the licence.
• Excluding a licensable activity from the scope of the licence.
• Removing the designated premises supervisor.
• Suspending the licence for a period not exceeding three months.
• Revoking the licence.
• Taking no further action or taking informal action.

The report stated that any determination should be evidence-based, justified as being appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, and proportionate to what it is intended to achieve.

Other Matters

The Agenda frontsheet for the meeting also included standard items such as the confirmation of the chairman, introductory remarks, apologies for absence, and declarations of interest from members.