Council and police notch up licensing firsts

Two innovative uses of new licensing powers have been made by a council and a constabulary, according to press reports.

Brentwood Borough Council has called in a nightclub’s licence for review in what it said may be the first use of this new power.

The Grade II listed building that houses Sugar Hut club was damaged by fire last September and the club has been closed since.

The Brentwood Gazette reports that its licence has been called in for review by licensing committee chair Joan Holmes, after a report by officers on past problems at the premises.

Holmes said: “I am not out to crucify the business but am insistent that when it does open again there are strict controls in place not only to ensure the safety of its patrons but also that residents can carry on enjoying the peace they have come to expect over the past few months.”

Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police has for the first time objected to the grant of a licence, to the 500-capacity Passion club in the Churchgate area of Leicester, the Leicester Mercury reports.

They say the area has reached saturation point because of the number of bars, although the city council granted a licence. Magistrates are due to hear the police objection.

Superintendent Phil Whitely said: “We do not want another venue, in this case a 500-capacity venue, in an area that has already been declared a saturation zone.”

Annette Byrne, who chaired the licensing panel, said: “Everyone is entitled to a right of appeal and it will be interesting to see the outcome. One of my colleagues at the hearing asked the police how many venues are currently open in Churchgate and the answer was three.”