Child safety concerns raised at Chequers pub review

The licence for The Chequers pub in Hornchurch has been suspended for four weeks, and its Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) removed, following a review prompted by an incident of violent disorder. The decision was made by Havering Council's Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The review was initiated by the Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough following a violent disorder at the premises in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, into Thursday, March 12, 2026. This incident, coupled with subsequent licensing failures, prompted the expedited review.

Concerns were raised about child safety, particularly in relation to the incident and the potential for after-hours sales occurring while children might be present. Lisa Kennedy, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Havering's Children's Services, highlighted these concerns. She stated that should an incident like the violent disorder occur while children were at the premises, it could potentially put them at risk. She also expressed concerns about how the premises would manage processes if after-hours sales occurred when children were present.

During the hearing, evidence was presented suggesting sales of alcohol after the licensed hours. The police presented CCTV footage and till receipts as evidence, with the licensing authority noting that till receipts showed evidence of sales after 11 o'clock. The police contended that the violent disorder, coupled with subsequent licensing failures – including the alleged sales of alcohol after licensed hours and the lack of timely police notification – necessitated the review.

An interim hearing took place on March 17, 2026, during which the licensing subcommittee determined that The Chequers' premises licence should be suspended pending the final hearing. The licence was suspended, and new conditions were imposed, replacing the interim steps taken at that time.

The subcommittee has now imposed a series of new conditions on the licence. These include measures related to the WAVE (Women's Aid Violence Education) and Ask for Angela schemes, staff training, and CCTV coverage. Specifically, the CCTV is required to cover both entrances of the public house in full length and glasses. These new conditions replace the interim steps imposed following the expedited hearing.

The removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) was also a consequence of the review. While the specific role of the DPS is not detailed, their removal implies a significant change in the management and oversight of the premises' licensed activities. The defence had argued for the removal of the DPS as an interim step, and the final decision included this removal.

Full written reasons for the decision and details of the imposed conditions will be sent to all parties within five working days. On receipt of the written decision, any party who has made a relevant representation may appeal to the magistrate's court within 21 days of notification of the decision. ¹