This application for an expedited review of a premises licence is made under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003 by Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough. 

PREMISES

The Chequers

121 North Street

Hornchurch

RM11 1ST

APPLICANT

Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough

Details of requested licensable activities

The application is for an expedited review of the premises licence, submitted under the provisions of s.53A of this Act.  The Police contend that violent disorder occurred at the premises in the early hours of Wednesday 11 March 2026 into Thursday 12 March 2026.  Subsequent Police contact with the premises’ representatives revealed further licensing failures.  This expedited review application was subsequently submitted on 13 March 2026.

The relevant provisions of s.53A(2) require that:

On receipt of such a s.53A application, the relevant licensing authority must—

(a)       within 48 hours of the time of its receipt, consider under section 53B whether it is necessary to take interim steps pending the determination of a review of the premises licence; and

(b)       within 28 days after the day of its receipt, review that licence in accordance with section 53C and reach a determination on that review.

Section 53B defines interim steps thus:

The interim steps the relevant licensing authority must consider taking are—

(a)       the modification of the conditions of the premises licence;

(b)       the exclusion of the sale of alcohol by retail from the scope of the licence;

(c)        the removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence;

(d)       the suspension of the licence.

Summary

The purpose of the interim hearing was to determine whether any interim steps are required pending the outcome of the full review hearing.  Any interim measures the Licensing Sub-Committee feel are necessary will have immediate effect.

Determination of application for an expedited review of the premises licence

Procedural Issue

1.         The Licensing Sub-Committee made the decision to exclude the public and members of the press from the hearing following PC Chris Stockman’s application that proceedings to be held in closed session.

2.         The Licensing Sub-Committee had regard to Regulation 14 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 and also noted the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the London Borough of Havering Constitution regarding exempt information. In particular, the Sub-Committee was mindful that the matter is under live investigation with suspects being bailed as investigations continue.

3.         The Sub-Committee was concerned that there should be no  prejudice to the holding of a fair trial and  therefore, in accordance with Regulation 14(2) of the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005, the Sub-Committee  decided to exclude the public including the press from the hearing as it considered that the public interest in so doing outweighed the public interest in the hearing taking place in public.

Representations

4.         The Sub-Committee have considered an application by the Police for Interim Steps to be taken under section 53B of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the premises known as The Chequers situated at 121 North Street Hornchurch RM11 1ST.

5.         The application was made on 13 March 2025, following violent disorder occurred at the Chequers Public House 121 North Street Hornchurch involving two groups  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.