The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence to Ped's Pizza, allowing the sale of alcohol at their Warley HQ location. The decision was made after considering representations from local residents and the council's Environmental Health Officer, as well as the applicant's proposed operating conditions. The committee agreed that the licence would promote the licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003.

Ped's Pizza Licence Application

The sub-committee approved the application from Matthew Redgrave for a new premises licence for Ped's Pizza, located at Warley HQ, Eagle Way, Warley. The licence permits the sale of alcohol on the premises.

Mr Redgrave had applied for the licence to serve alcohol alongside meals at the restaurant, with the intention of operating a local neighbourhood restaurant, rather than a bar . The application initially included a request to play live and recorded music, but this was later withdrawn, with Mr Redgrave stating that he believed a premises licence was not required for this activity due to the Live Music Act 2012.

As part of the agreement, Mr Redgrave agreed to several conditions, including:

• Installing and maintaining a CCTV system.
• Displaying signs about CCTV operation.
• Operating as a restaurant where customers are seated at tables and alcohol consumption is ancillary to meals.
• Prohibiting alcohol sales at a bar.
• Operating a Challenge 25 scheme¹.
• Ensuring staff receive training on the protection of children from harm and the prevention of sales to drunk persons.

These conditions were agreed with Simon Barnes, the Essex Police licensing officer, and Mrs Therese McAlorum, Essex County Council's Local Authority Designated Officer for Safeguarding.

Objections to the Licence

The sub-committee acknowledged the concerns raised by residents of the Warley HQ building. Four residents had submitted written representations objecting to the licence application, and Mr Gary Mitchell attended the hearing to voice his concerns.

The residents raised concerns regarding:

• Potential for anti-social behaviour and public nuisance due to increased noise and disruption.
• Building security, with concerns that the need to keep the main door open for restaurant customers would increase the risk to residents.
• Public safety, particularly with a lack of building staff presence and inadequate security.
• Protection of children from harm, given the presence of families with children in the building.

The council's Environmental Health Officer, Ms Rebecca Quinney, initially raised concerns about noise, odour, and access for delivery drivers. However, following discussions with Mr Redgrave, Ms Quinney's concerns were largely resolved, and she did not object to the granting of the licence at the hearing.

The sub-committee stated that it sympathised with the residents' concerns, but that its decision was based on the likely effect of granting the licence on the promotion of the licensing objectives. The sub-committee noted that conditions 3 and 4, requiring Ped's Pizza to operate as a restaurant with alcohol consumption ancillary to meals, would help to address these concerns.

Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Sub-Committee is responsible for determining applications for licenses under the Licensing Act 2003 where representations have been received. The sub-committee must act to promote the licensing objectives set out in the act, which are:

• The prevention of crime and disorder.
• Public safety.
• The prevention of public nuisance.
• The protection of children from harm.

The sub-committee's decision was based on the representations received, the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and guidance issued by the Secretary of State.