West Northamptonshire Council

Encore

34-38 Bridge Street, Northampton, NN1 1PA

Completed application 100366 which is a New Application for Premises Licence from 07/02/2026 to indefinite

Applicant(s)

Designated Premises Supervisor

Permitted Activities

• the sale by retail of alcohol

Additional Conditions

• ANNEX 1 - MANDATORY CONDITIONS

   

  All Premises Licence authorising supply of alcohol

   

  The licence is granted subject to the Mandatory conditions for sale of alcohol as set out in the Licensing Act 2003 as amended by the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010 and Order 2014. 

  1. No Supply of alcohol may be made under the Premises Licence -

  a) At a time when there is no Designated Premises Supervisor in respect of the Premises Licence; or

  b) At a time when then the Designated Premises Supervisor does not hold a Personal Licence or his Personal Licence is suspended

  2. Every supply of alcohol under the Premises Licence must be made, or authorised by a person who holds a Personal Licence

   

  3.1 The responsible person must ensure that staff on relevant premises do not carry out, arrange or participate in any irresponsible promotions in relation to the premises

  3.2 In this paragraph, an irresponsible promotion means any one or more of the following activities, or substantially similar activities, carried on for the purpose of encouraging the sale or supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

                a) games or other activities which require or encourage, or are designed to require or encourage, individuals to - i. drink a quantity of alcohol within a time limit (other than to drink alcohol sold or supplied on the premises before the cessation of the period in which the responsible person is authorised to sell or supply alcohol), or

                ii. drink as much alcohol as possible (whether within a time limit or otherwise);

               

                b) provision of unlimited or unspecified quantities of alcohol free or for a fixed or discounted fee to the public or to a group defined by a particular characteristic in a manner which carries a significant risk of undermining a licensing objective;

                c) provision of free or discounted alcohol or any other thing as a prize to encourage or reward the purchase and consumption of alcohol over a period of 24 hours or less in a manner which carries a significant risk of undermining a licensing objective;

                d) selling or supplying alcohol in association with promotional posters or flyers on, or in the vicinity of, the premises which can reasonably be considered to condone, encourage or glamorise anti-social behaviour or to refer to the effects of drunkenness in any favourable manner.

                e) dispensing alcohol directly by one person into the mouth of another (other than where that other person is unable to drink without assistance by reason of disability).

                4. The responsible person must ensure that free potable water is provided on request to customers where it is reasonably available

   

  5.1 The premises licence holder or club premises certificate holder must ensure that an age verification policy is adopted in respect of the premises in relation to the sale or supply of alcohol.

  5.2 The designated premises supervisor in relation to the premises licences must ensure that the supply of alcohol at the premises is carried on in accordance with the age verification policy.

  5.3 The policy must require individuals who appear to the responsible person to be under 18 years of age (or such older age as may be specified in the policy) to produce on request, before being served alcohol, identification bearing their photograph, date of birth and either:

  a.              a) a holographic mark or

  b.              b) an ultraviolet feature

   

  6. The responsible person must ensure that -

  a) where any of the following alcoholic drinks is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises (other than alcoholic drinks sold or supplied having been made up in advance ready for sale or supply in a securely closed container) it is available to customers in the following measures:

  i              i. beer or cider: ½ pint;

  ii              ii. gin, rum, vodka or whiskey: 25ml or 35ml; and

  iii              iii. still wine in a glass: 125ml; and

  iv              a) these measures are displayed in a menu, price list or other printed material which is available to customers on the premises; and

  v              b) where a customer does not in relation to a sale of alcohol specify the quantity of alcohol to be sold, the customer is made aware that these measures are available.

   

  Minimum Drinks Pricing

  1. A relevant person shall ensure that no alcohol is sold or supplied for consumption on or off the premises for a price which is less than the permitted price

                2. For the purposes of the condition set out in paragraph 1 - a. “duty” is to be construed in accordance with the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979

                b. “permitted price” is the price found by applying the formula -

               

   

  P=D+(DxV)

  Where: -

  i              i. P is the permitted price

  ii              ii. D is the amount of duty chargeable in relation to the alcohol as if the duty were charged on the date of the sale or supply of alcohol, and

  a.              iii. V is the rate of value added tax chargeable in relation to the alcohol as if the value added tax were charged on the date of the sale or supply of alcohol; c. “relevant person” means, in relation to premises in respect of which there is in force a premises licence -

  b.             

  c.              i. The holder of the premises licence

  d.              ii. The designated premises supervisor (if any) in respect of such a licence, or

  e.              iii. The personal licence holder who makes or authorises a supply of alcohol under such a licence; d. “relevant person” means, in relation to premises in respect of which there is in force a club premises certificate, any member or officer of the club present on the premises in a capacity which enables the member or officer to prevent the supply in question; and

  f.              e. “value added tax” means value added tax charged in accordance with Value Added Tax Act 1994

  g.             

  h.              3. Where the permitted price given by Paragraph (b) of paragraph 2 would (apart from the paragraph) not be a whole number of pennies, the price given by that sub-paragraph shall be taken to be the price actually given by that sub-paragraph rounded up to the nearest penny. 4.1 Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the permitted price given by Paragraph (b) of paragraph 2 on a day (“the first day”) would be different from the permitted price on the next day (“the second day”) as a result of a change to the rate of duty or value added tax

  i.             

   

   

  i              4.2 The permitted price which would apply on the first day applies to sales or supplies of alcohol which take place before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning on the second day.

  ii             

   

  If the Premises Licence allows Exhibition of Films

  1. Where a premises licence authorises the exhibition of films, the licence must include a condition requiring the admission of children to the exhibition of any film to be restricted in accordance with this section.

  2. Where the film classification body is specified in the licence, unless subsection (3)(b) applies, admission of children must be restricted in accordance with any recommendation by that body

  3. Where

  a) The film classification body is not specified in the licence, or

  b) The relevant licensing authority has notified the holder of the licence that this subsection applies to the film in question; admission of children must be restricted in accordance with any recommendation made by that licensing authority.

  4. In this section “children” means any person ages under 18; and “film classification body” means the person or persons designated at the authority under Section 4 of the Video Recordings Act 1984 (c39) (authority to determine suitability of video works for classification)

   

  If the Premises Licence has conditions in respect of Door Supervision except theatres, cinemas, bingo hall and casinos

  1. Where a premises licence includes a condition that at specified times one or more individuals must be at the premises to carry out a security activity, each such individual must:

  a) be authorised to carry out that activity by a licence granted under the Private Security Industry Act 2001; or

  b) be entitled to carry out that activity by virtue of section 4 of the Act

  2. But nothing in subsection (1) requires such a condition to be imposed:

  a) in respect of premises within paragraph 8(3)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (c12) (premise with premises licence authorising plays or films): or

  b) in respect of premises in relation to:

  i. any occasion mentioned in paragraph 8(3)(b) or (c) of that Schedule (premises being used exclusively by clubs with club premises certificate, under a temporary event notice authorising plays or films or under a gaming licence, or

  ii. any occasion within paragraph 8(3)(d) of that Schedule (occasions prescribed by regulations under that Act

  3. For the purposes of this section:

  a) “security activity” means an activity to which paragraph 2(1)(a) of that Schedule applies, and, which is licensable conduct for the purposes of that Act), (see Section 3(2) of that Act, and

  b) paragraph 8(5) of that Schedule (interpretation of references to an occasion) applies as it applies in relation to paragraph 8 of that Schedule

   

   

• ANNEX 2 - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH THE OPERATING SCHEDULE

   

  General - all four licensing objectives: Encore Northampton will be a venue that prides itself in protecting the

  community whilst out in Northampton of an evening. We will be giving out free anti spiking covers to every guest on

  request and zero tolerance to any drug or violent behaviour.

  The prevention of crime and disorder: Encore Nightclub is committed to promoting the licensing objective of

  preventing crime and disorder through proactive management, professional security, and close cooperation with

  responsible authorities.

  Management & Staffing

  Encore will operate with a clear management structure, with a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) present or on call

  during all licensable hours.

  All door supervisors will be SIA-licensed, clearly identifiable, and deployed in numbers appropriate to the risk

  assessment, capacity, and event type.

  Staff will receive regular training in conflict management, de-escalation techniques, responsible alcohol retailing, drug

  awareness, and safeguarding.

  Access Control & Admissions

  A strict Challenge 25 policy will be enforced, with valid photographic ID required where appropriate.

  Entry will be refused to any person who appears intoxicated, aggressive, or likely to cause disorder.

  Capacity levels will be strictly monitored to prevent overcrowding.

  Re-admission policies will be controlled to prevent loitering and disorder outside the premises.

  CCTV & Monitoring

  A comprehensive CCTV system will be installed and maintained, covering all internal public areas, entrances, exits, and

  the external perimeter.

  CCTV recordings will be retained for a minimum period (e.g. 28 days) and made available to the Police or authorised

  officers upon request.

  A trained member of staff will be present on site who is capable of operating the CCTV system at all times.

  Alcohol Control

  Alcohol will be sold and supplied in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 and relevant guidance.

  Alcohol will not be served to anyone who is drunk or disorderly.

  The venue will operate responsible promotions only and will not encourage excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol.

  Glassware policies will be implemented where necessary to reduce the risk of injury or disorder.

  Drug & Zero-Tolerance Policy

  Encore will operate a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs and drug dealing.

  Regular toilet and venue checks will be carried out and recorded.

  Any drugs found will be securely stored and reported to the Police in line with best practice.

  Clear signage will reinforce the venue’s zero-tolerance stance.

  Crowd Management & Dispersal

  Door staff will manage queues and entry to prevent nuisance and disorder outside the premises.

  Staff will actively manage the dispersal of customers at closing time to reduce noise, loitering, and antisocial behaviour.

  Customers will be encouraged to leave quietly and respect neighbouring premises and residents.

  Incident Recording & Cooperation

  An incident log will be maintained and made available for inspection by responsible authorities.

  All incidents involving crime, disorder, refusals, or ejections will be recorded.

  Encore will work closely with local police, licensing officers, and community safety partnerships, including participation in

  schemes such as Pubwatch where available.

  ⚠

  Public safety: Encore Nightclub is committed to ensuring the safety of all patrons, staff, performers, and contractors.

  The premises will be operated in accordance with all relevant health and safety legislation, fire safety requirements, and

  guidance issued by responsible authorities.

  Premises Safety & Capacity

  The maximum occupancy of the premises will be set in consultation with the Fire Authority and strictly adhered to at all

  times.

  Capacity will be actively monitored through door supervision and management controls to prevent overcrowding.

  Clear and unobstructed escape routes and emergency exits will be maintained at all times and regularly inspected.

  Fire Safety

  A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment will be completed and reviewed regularly.

  Fire detection, alarm systems, emergency lighting, and firefighting equipment will be installed, maintained, and tested in

  accordance with statutory requirements.

  All staff will receive training in fire safety procedures, including evacuation protocols and the use of emergency exits.

  Emergency evacuation plans will be in place and practiced where appropriate.

  Staffing & Crowd Management

  Sufficient numbers of trained staff and SIA-licensed door supervisors will be deployed during opening hours,

  proportionate to capacity, event type, and risk assessment.

  Door staff will manage entry, internal circulation, and customer dispersal to ensure safe movement throughout the

  venue.

  Staff will be trained in first aid awareness, crowd dynamics, and recognising signs of distress or medical emergencies.

  Medical & Welfare Provisions

  A clearly designated welfare or safe space will be available for patrons who feel unwell or vulnerable.

  First aid equipment will be available on site, with trained personnel present during peak operating hours.

  Procedures will be in place for contacting emergency services promptly when required.

  Physical Environment

  The premises will be well maintained, with floors, stairs, handrails, and fixtures kept in safe condition to prevent slips,

  trips, and falls.

  Adequate lighting will be provided throughout all public areas, including entrances, exits, toilets, and external areas.

  Any temporary structures, staging, or equipment used for events will be professionally installed and safety-checked.

  Sound, Lighting & Effects

  Any use of special effects (e.g. smoke machines, strobe lighting, lasers) will comply with safety guidance and be risk

  assessed in advance.

  Warning signage will be displayed where strobe or flashing lighting is used.

  Sound levels will be managed to ensure clear communication of safety announcements and instructions.

  External Areas & Dispersal

  External areas will be monitored by staff to ensure safe access and egress.

  Customers will be encouraged to leave the premises safely and in an orderly manner at closing time.

  Lighting and staff presence will be maintained at closing times to promote safe dispersal.

  The prevention of public nuisance: Encore Nightclub will be operated in a manner that actively prevents public

  nuisance and minimises any impact on local residents, businesses, and the surrounding area. The management

  recognises the importance of balancing a vibrant nightlife venue with responsible operation.

  Noise Management

  A comprehensive noise management plan will be in place and reviewed regularly.

  Music noise will be controlled through appropriate sound limiting equipment where required and managed by trained

  staff.

  Doors and windows will remain closed during regulated entertainment, except for access and egress.

  Sound checks will be conducted prior to opening and monitored throughout operating hours.

  Any noise complaints will be recorded, investigated, and addressed promptly.

  Dispersal Policy

  A clear and effective customer dispersal policy will be implemented to ensure patrons leave the premises quietly and in

  an orderly manner.

  Staff and SIA-licensed door supervisors will be present at closing times to manage dispersal and discourage loitering,

  shouting, or antisocial behaviour.

  Signage will be displayed requesting customers to respect neighbours and leave the area quietly.

  Transport information (licensed taxis, rideshare points, and public transport) will be clearly signposted to reduce

  congestion and disturbance.

  External Areas & Queuing

  External areas, including entrances and smoking areas, will be actively managed to prevent excessive noise.

  Smoking areas will be limited in capacity, monitored by staff, and subject to time controls if required.

  Queues will be supervised to ensure they are orderly and do not obstruct the highway or cause nuisance.

  Deliveries & Waste Management

  Deliveries, collections, and waste disposal will take place at agreed times to minimise disturbance.

  Bottles and refuse will not be disposed of during late-night or early-morning hours.

  Waste will be stored securely to prevent noise, odours, or pest issues.

  Lighting & Visual Impact

  External lighting will be designed to ensure safety without causing disturbance to nearby properties.

  Lighting levels will be reviewed and adjusted if complaints are received.

  Management Controls & Complaints Handling

  A named responsible manager will be on duty or contactable at all times the premises is open.

  A formal complaints log will be maintained and made available to responsible authorities upon request.

  Encore will engage constructively with local residents, licensing officers, and environmental health to address concernsproactively.

  Continuous Review of policies relating to public nuisance will be reviewed regularly and amended where necessary in response to feedback, incidents, or guidance from responsible authorities.

  No noise generated on the premises, or by its associated plant or equipment, shall emanate from the premises nor vibration be transmitted through the structure of the premises which gives rise to a nuisance.

  A noise limiter must be fitted to the musical amplification system set at a level determined by and to the satisfaction of an authorised officer of the Environmental Health Service, so as to ensure that no noise nuisance is caused to local residents or businesses. The operational panel of the noise limiter shall then be secured by key or password to the satisfaction of officers from the Environmental Health Service and access shall only be by persons authorised by the Premises Licence holder. The limiter shall not be altered without prior agreement with the Environmental Health Service. No alteration or modification to any existing sound system(s) should be effected without prior knowledge of an authorised Officer of the Environmental Health Service. No additional sound generating equipment shall be used on the premises without being routed through the sound limiter device.

  A Noise Management Plan (NMP) should be produced that provides means of adequate mitigation to nearby residential uses against noise breakout from regulated entertainment and shall be implemented within one month of the date of the license issue. The NPL should be treated as a live document and should be reviewed as and when necessary, or at least once per annum. The Plan shall include the following:

  -              Hours of use of external licensable area(s).

  -              Management measures to reduce noise from all external areas.

  -              Detailed information on background noise levels.

  -              Use of designated smoking area(s) (Potential limits on maximum numbers at any one time).

  -              Details of any Sound proofing to reduce external breakout noise.

  -              Measures to control noise from queuing.

  -              Measures to control noise from use of egress at the end of trading.

  -              Use of Noise Limiters (including an assessment of low frequency noise).

  -              Use PA systems.

  -              Management control during operation (such as site boundary checks).

   

  Loudspeakers shall not be located in the entrance lobby or externally outside the premises building or in any external licensable area.

  All windows and external doors shall be kept closed after 22:00 hours, or at any time when regulated entertainment takes place, except for the immediate access and egress of persons.

  The external licensable area at the side of the venue should not be used after 00:00 hours and closed off for use, thus the side door onto the gated off alleyway should not be in use after 00:00 hours.

  The official smoking area from 00:00 hours is the front of the venue on Bridge Street.

  Notices shall be prominently displayed at any area used for smoking requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and use the area quietly.

  All tables and chairs shall be removed from the external licensable area at the side of the premises (which forms part of a gated alleyway) after (00.00) each day.

  No waste or recyclable materials, including bottles, shall be moved, removed from or placed in outside areas between 23.00 hours and 08.00 hours on the following day.

  No fumes, steam or odours shall be emitted from the licensed premises so as to cause a nuisance to any persons living or carrying on business in the area where the premises are situated.

  During the hours of operation of the premises, the licence holder shall ensure sufficient measures are in place to remove and prevent litter or waste arising or accumulating from customers in the area immediately outside the premises, and that this area shall be swept and or washed, and litter and sweepings collected and stored in accordance with the approved refuse storage arrangements by close of business.

  The protection of children from harm: Encore Nightclub is an adult-oriented late-night venue and is committed to fully

  promoting the licensing objective of protecting children from harm. Robust policies and procedures will be in place to

  prevent under-18s from accessing the premises and to safeguard young people at all times.

  Age Restrictions & Admissions

  The premises will operate as a strictly over-18 venue at all times.

  A Challenge 25 policy will be enforced, requiring valid photographic ID from anyone who appears under the age of 25.

  Only acceptable forms of ID (passport, photocard driving licence, or accredited PASS card) will be accepted.

  Entry will be refused to anyone unable to provide valid ID, and refusals will be recorded in a refusals log.

  Door Supervision & Access Control

  SIA-licensed door supervisors will be positioned at all entry and re-entry points whenever the premises is open to the

  public.

  Door staff will be responsible for verifying age, monitoring behaviour, and preventing unauthorised access by minors.

  Re-admissions will be strictly controlled to prevent tailgating or proxy access.

  Staff Training & Awareness

  All staff will receive training on age verification procedures, recognising fake IDs, and safeguarding responsibilities.

  Staff will be trained to identify signs of child exploitation, vulnerability, or coercion, and understand escalation

  procedures.

  Refresher training will be conducted regularly and documented.

  CCTV & Record Keeping

  A comprehensive CCTV system will operate throughout all public areas, including entrances and exits.

  CCTV footage will be retained for a minimum period and made available to responsible authorities upon request.

  An incident and refusals log will be maintained and available for inspection.

  Safeguarding Policies

  Encore will operate clear safeguarding and zero-tolerance policies toward sexual exploitation, harassment, or abuse.

  Any concerns relating to the welfare of a child will be reported immediately to the Police or relevant safeguarding

  authorities.

  Staff will intervene promptly where behaviour raises safeguarding concerns.

  Marketing & Events

  Promotions, marketing, and advertising will not be directed at or appeal to under-18s.

  No performers, entertainers, or themed events will involve or depict children in any adult-themed content.

  Digital and physical marketing materials will clearly state age restrictions.

  Management Oversight

  A responsible manager or the Designated Premises Supervisor will be present or on call during all licensable hours.

  Policies and procedures relating to child protection will be reviewed regularly and updated in line with guidance from responsible authorities.

   

   

• ANNEX 3 - CONDITIONS ATTACHED AFTER A HEARING BY THE LICENSING AUTHORITY

   

  Conditions yet to be entered.