Wind of change at the Cock & Rabbit?By Barnaby Usborne
The Cock & Rabbit is considering applying for a change to its premises licence as permitted under the new Licensing Act. A new licence would give Franco and Victoria greater flexibility over their opening hours and over the regulated entertainments that are permitted.
News of this development has caused considerable concern in The Lee. At the beginning of April, Franco and Victoria held a meeting at the pub to explain the position to residents, to which they also invited the local Licensing Enforcement Officer Julian Alison.
Mr Alison told a crowded bar what options were available to the Parolas under the new legislation. They could either continue to apply for each event individually or apply for a one-off permanent licence. There were, he said, a number of advantages in the latter route.
The discussion was very frank and at times heated, with little immediate prospect of a conclusion acceptable to all. The main issue was the playing of amplified music in a marquee in the gardens at the back of the pub.
Mr Alison explained that conditions and restrictions could be attached to a permanent licence which would not be possible with a Temporary Event Notice. These conditions should, if possible, be agreed between the publicans and their immediate neighbours. Mr Alison could help in this process, but it was not for him to impose conditions unilaterally.
At the time of writing (22nd April) discussions continue, and the Parolas have yet to decide how to proceed.