main content First Bromley pub licence review

The first review of a pub will take place later next month under new licensing legislation. The central Bromley premises of the national chain “Walkabout” could potentially have its licence revised or even withdrawn.

The review into “Walkabout”, High Street, Bromley was requested by the Council’s Trading Standards team. Under the legislation, the Council’s Trading Standards team is classified as a ‘responsible authority’ - able to ask the Council to review a licence.

“This pub is located in a busy high street area. However, this review is not about the location of the pub or other external factors. The review, as always, is about how the pub is operated and managed. Our decision will be carefully based on the evidence presented which needs to be persuasive and compelling and address closely the four licensing objectives on which our licensing policy is based.” said Councillor Tony Owen, Chairman of the Council’s Licensing Committee.

Under the new licensing laws, any person or group can ask the Council formally to review a premises licence. A review can take place at any time after a licence comes into operation. During the review Trading Standards officers will need to address how the licence fails to uphold one or more of the four licensing objectives:

• prevention of harm to children; 
• crime and disorder; 
• public safety; and
• prevention of nuisance.

The reviews will be held by the Council’s Licensing Committee. At the hearing the Committee has the option to revise the operating hours under the licence and/ or impose various conditions; to withdraw the licence; or to allow the licence to operate as before.

Any person or interested party wishing to comment on the review should do so in writing to Environmental Health and Trading Standards, London Borough of Bromley, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH. Letters must be received no later than 28th February 2006. Comments can also be e-mailed to licensing@bromley.gov.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• In 2001, the Government announced plans to reform the country's licensing laws. The changes started to come into place on 7th February 2005, with the new regime finally taking over on Thursday 24th November 2005. It affects premises selling alcohol.
• Interested parties and responsible authorities can apply for the review of a premises licence or a club premises certificate under section 51 and 87 respectively of the Licensing Act 2003.
• The hearing is scheduled for Thursday 30th March 2006 at 10am at the Committee Rooms, Civic Centre, Bromley. 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or Paul Lehane, Licensing Team Leader on 020 8313 4216 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk