The licence for The Chequers pub in Hornchurch has been suspended with immediate effect following a violent disorder incident and concerns about the venue operating outside its licensed hours.
The decision was made by Havering Council's Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, during an expedited review of the premises licence, the details of which can be found in the Public reports pack.
The police initiated the review after a violent altercation involving approximately ten people occurred at the pub in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The disorder began with a verbal disagreement that escalated into a physical fight, including punches, kicks, and the use of chairs as weapons. CCTV footage showed the disagreement escalating into a physical fight, with punches, kicks, and the use of chairs as weapons. One individual sustained a head injury.
Further concerns were raised by the police regarding the pub's operation. It was noted that no SIA door staff were present, as required by the licence, and bar staff reportedly refused to provide statements to the police. Investigations into till records and CCTV footage also suggested the premises had been habitually operating outside its licensed hours and supplying alcohol after closing time.
Superintendent Sharon Brind stated in a certificate submitted to the council, Looking through till records at the venue & CCTV footage it appears the venue have been habitually operating outside of their licence & supplying alcohol after hours.
This certificate is available here. She added that This type of violence & crime is not what should be expected to occur on the streets of Havering & unfortunately appears a result of the venue operating poorly & outside of their licenced hours.
The Chequers pub was operating outside of its licensed hours and habitually supplying alcohol after hours. The licensed hours for the supply of alcohol were Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00 and Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 00:00. The disorder began at 00:06 hours on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was after the licensed hours for Friday and Saturday.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Philippa Crowder, heard evidence from PC Chris Stockman. The committee was satisfied that suspending the licence was necessary as an interim step pending a full review. The suspension will remain in place until the full review hearing, which must be held within 28 days of the expedited review hearing.
The licence holder has been advised to seek legal advice. The potential consequences for the licence holder and the pub following the expedited review include the suspension of the premises licence pending a full review.
This suggests a pattern of non-compliance prior to the incident, as indicated by Superintendent Sharon Brind's report.
