The Licensing Sub Committee is scheduled to convene to consider an application for a variation to a premises licence. The application is for Café Cidade, and seeks to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and opening hours. Hertfordshire Constabulary and several residents have objected to the application.

Cafe Cidade Premises Variation Application

The Licensing Sub Committee will consider a report by the Licensing and Enforcement Manager regarding an application for a variation of the premises licence for Café Cidade, located at 83B Whippendell Road in Watford.

Currently, Café Cidade is licensed to sell alcohol from 10:00 to 19:30 (Monday to Saturday) and from 12:00 to 19:30 on Sundays, with opening hours from 08:00 to 20:00 (Monday to Saturday) and 10:00 to 20:00 on Sundays. The applicant, Mickelli Denise Preto, is seeking to extend these hours, with alcohol sales until 21:30 daily and opening until 22:00 daily, according to the Public Reports Pack.

The report notes that the location is within a Sensitive Licensing Area, as defined by the council's licensing policy.

The report pack includes a copy of the application, which names Manuel Rocha as the agent for the applicant. The application states that the applicant is happy with the current licence conditions, but welcomes recommendations from the local authorities.

Objections

The report states that Hertfordshire Constabulary has objected to the application, citing:

• Repeated breaches of licence conditions
• Lack of compliance by the operator
• Risks of crime and disorder
• Concerns that the extended hours would undermine the licensing objectives

According to the Public Reports Pack, representations have also been received from four residents, raising concerns about:

• Increased antisocial behaviour
• Noise and disturbance
• Racist hate crime
• Customers gathering in numbers and obstructing the pavement
• Late-night noise and loud music
• Customers smoking and drinking with their children late in the evening

One supportive representation was reportedly received from Mr Hamid, who identifies himself as the owner of the premises.

Licensing Objectives and Policy Considerations

The report outlines the four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder
• Public Safety
• Prevention of Public Nuisance
• Protection of Children from Harm

The report also refers to Watford Borough Council's Statement of Licensing Policy (2023–2028), which places emphasis on cumulative impact, sensitive licensing areas, and community protection. It notes that Whippendell Road is designated as a Sensitive Licensing Area due to the high density of licensed premises and documented complaints of noise and disorder.

Options Available to the Sub-Committee

The report states that the sub-committee can:

• Grant the application in full
• Grant the application with reduced hours and/or conditions
• Refuse the application

It also notes that the Sub-Committee must have regard to the representations received and take such steps as it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

Other Items

The agenda includes an item for the election of a chair and disclosure of interests.