Chicago Rock licence decision

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Licensing Panel has decided to modify the conditions of the premises licence of Chicago Rock Café, 8 Greenhill Street, Stratford-upon-Avon following the Panel hearing last week.

The District Council as Licensing Authority for Stratford-on-Avon received a valid application for the review of the premises licence relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.  During the panel hearing a number of representations were made. 

The changes to licence are as follows:

• Reducing the opening hours from Monday to Thursday and Sunday evenings to midnight;
• No off-licence sales allowed;
• To provide SIA registered door staff including a female staff member;
• Availability of the premises contact telephone numbers for residents and businesses in the vicinity;
• Displaying clear and legible notices at all exits requesting patrons respect the needs of local residents and leave the premises and area quietly and
• Chicago Rock to implement a more focused dispersal policy.

Councillor Sue Adams, Chair of the Licensing Panel says: “The Panel listened very carefully to all the points and representations made.  Whilst we do understand the importance of the licensing trade towards the night time economy we still need to balance this with local residents' needs and we hope that this decision sends a clear message out to other licensed premises in the town.

“We hope that licensed premises will take into account the need for respect in the early hours of the morning as their patrons leave the premises.  One aspect the Panel did very much appreciate was the offer by the management of Chicago Rock to set up a local business and residents forum, which can only help to foster future relations.

“This review to the licence was brought by local residents who had expressed a number of concerns; the Panel listened and took appropriate steps to make changes to the licence a real example of democracy in action."

All parties have a right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notification of this decision.

The Licensing Panel members were Councillors Sue Adams, Stephen Thirlwell and Mike Brain.