The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to consider an application for a review of a premises licence for Mirage, located at 39A Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2NQ. The meeting will also cover procedural matters related to hearings.

Review of Premises Licence for Mirage

The primary focus of the meeting is to consider an application for a review of the premises licence for Mirage, a nightclub located at 39A Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2NQ. This application has been submitted by the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and is being considered under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The report pack indicates that the review is grounded in concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. The application follows an incident at the premises on 1 November 2025. The report details that Thames Valley Police have consistently engaged with premises licence holders, typically issuing warnings before formal action. However, in this instance, due to the seriousness of the incident, the police are seeking the revocation of the premises licence.

The report also notes that the premises previously held a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence, which has since been surrendered. The review application itself has been subject to a 28-day public advertising period, during which representations have been received from various parties, including the Licensing Authority and other individuals.

The Licensing Officer, Kerryann Ashton, has observed that the concerns raised by Thames Valley Police relate to the promotion of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. The Licensing Authority's representation highlights that Mirage's management has failed to uphold high standards, ignored existing licence conditions, and demonstrated attitudes that compromise customer safety. ¹ The report further states that these failings seriously undermine the objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety. The Licensing Authority supports any necessary steps the Sub-Committee deems appropriate, including potential revocation or the imposition of stringent conditions.

The report also outlines the council's adopted Licensing Policy, published in February 2022, and national guidance issued by the Home Office under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. These documents provide the framework for considering licence reviews and the powers available to the Licensing Sub-Committee, which include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it entirely.

The report pack includes extensive appendices detailing the premises licence history, the review application form, police reports, the Licensing Authority's representation, and representations from other persons. It also details the mandatory conditions that apply to premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003.

Hearing Procedure Rules

The committee will also note the hearing procedure rules, which outline the process for conducting hearings under the Licensing Act 2003. This includes details on prior notification, the conduct of hearings, the role of parties, and the decision-making process.