Dark Fire Cafe

Licensed to sell alcohol

Unit 8, Gavel Centre, Porters Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6PQ

Premises licence LN/202300197

In force

Dark Fire Cafe holds a premises licence from St Albans City Council, reference LN/202300197. The register lists sale of alcohol and recorded music. It was issued on 20 June 2023. The council's register shows it as in force.

The record

Licence type: Premises Licence
Reference: LN/202300197
Status on register: Current Licence
Issued: 20 June 2023
Venue type: Restaurant or café
Food hygiene rating: 4 out of 5 (good), inspected 30 July 2025
Licensing authority: St Albans City Council
Postcode: AL3 6PQ
First seen by On Licence: 26 September 2026

Licensable activities

Sale of alcoholThe register does not say whether on or off sales.
Recorded musicPlaying recorded music to an audience.

What the licence permits

Opening hours on the licence: Every day 07:30-23:00
Alcohol Sales On: Every day 12:00-22:30
Recorded Music: Every day 07:30-22:00

Licence conditions (10)

• A CCTV system comprising of a multi camera system will be installed at the premises capable of the following:
a) The head unit (recorder) for storing the images will store such data on a hard drive or a similar quality medium (locally or accessible from a central location) b) If the head unit (recorder) is kept on the premises it must be located in a secure cabinet or other secure area, preferably out of the sight and reach of the public. c) A CD/DVD burner, USB type device or media storage database (i.e. Cloud) will also form part of the system to facilitate making copies of the footage d) The quality of the images must be of a sufficiently high standard to allow identification of the subject matter e) Cameras will cover key areas identified by the operator and Police. These will include clear headshots of persons entering the premises, any till areas and areas where alcohol are displayed for sale f) Images must be retained for a minimum period of 31 days before overwriting g) The images will be made available in reasonable time on demand by the Police and authorised officers of St Albans City and District council. h) At all times when the premises are open there shall be at least one person who is capable of operating the CCTV system if required to do so by the Police or authorised officers of St Albans City and District council. i) This system will be fully maintained at all times to ensure correct operation
• A refusals / incidents register shall be maintained, whether electronic or hard copy, at the premises recording the following:
a) All known incidents of crime and disorder occurring at the premises with dates and times b) Details of occasions when the emergency services are called to the premises c) All refusals of alcohol sales and ejections from the premises.
This register will be available for inspection by a police officer or other authorised officer of St Albans City and District council.
Challenge 25 Policy
• The premises shall operate a challenge 25 style policy. Anyone attempting to purchase alcohol who appears under the age of 25 years shall be required to produce valid photo ID (such as a photo card driving licence, passport or PASS accredited age verification card) to prove they are 18 years or older. Failure to produce acceptable ID shall result in a refusal of the sale. This refusal shall be documented in the refusals / incident log.
• Notices advertising that the premises operates a "Challenge 25" scheme shall be displayed in a clear and prominent position at the premises entrance.
Training
• All staff involved in licensable activity shall receive training relating to age verification, the licensing objectives and laws relating to the sale of alcohol. This training shall be given at the start of employment (prior to carrying out any licensable activity) and be refreshed at least every 6 months. The training shall be documented and be made available for inspection at the request of police or authorised officer of St Albans City and District council.

Licensed hours are the most a premises may open or trade under its licence, not its actual opening times.

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