A decision has been delayed on whether to revoke the licence of a luxury wedding venue that needed armed police to disperse crowds earlier this summer.

Hertfordshire Constabulary have applied to Three Rivers District Council to revoke Riverside Mansions’ premises licence after witnesses described the area as “complete mayhem” during one incident.

Residents near the Kings Langley venue also raised complaints about excessive noise and dangerous parking when the venue hosted events during the summer.

Read more: Police call for Riverside Mansions' licence to be revoked

Read more: Closure order secured after community blighted by loud music and anti-social behaviour

In their application for a review of the licence, Police Sergeant Luke Mitchell wrote that during July 2021 police were called to three separate incidents – including a 300-person ‘brunch’, with fighting outside.

Police had previously been granted a closure order against the venue through the courts, but were now seeking the council to revoke the venue’s licence to operate.

The application was due to be heard by Three Rivers’ licensing sub-committee today (Tuesday, September 21) but was delayed after the designated premises supervisor and owner, Victoria Gutsul, displayed Covid symptoms on the morning of the hearing.

David Dadds, representing Miss Gutsul, said that the licence holder would be having a Covid test to determine when a hearing could take place.

Riverside Mansions, in Old Mill Road, advertises itself as a wedding and event venue, as well as offering filming space inside its gated estate.

The venue has held a premises licence since November 27, 2020, but Covid restrictions meant it was unable to host events until spring 2021.

The police say that their review of the licence relates to all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

According to a report published ahead of the hearing, police were first called on July 3 and July 11, following England football matches, with reports of large crowds, loud music and dangerous parking. During the first incident, Old Mill Road was described as being in “complete mayhem”.

The report continues that, despite communication with Miss Gutsul, on July 17 armed police attended after reports that more than 100 people were congregating in Old Mill Road as they left what was claimed to be a ‘brunch’ event. The foot of one police officer was also run over by a suspected drunk driver – the officer was wearing steel cap boots and was uninjured. 

The application submitted by Sgt Mitchell said he believed that the venue was “predominately a nightclub” despite being billed as a wedding venue.

His statement added: “A nightclub in a residential area is not fair on those living in and around that location.”

Nearby residents have also raised concerns about the venue, with submitted representations citing excessive noise and parking concerns on nearby roads. The council also received 59 noise complaints in connection with the July 17 event.

The current premises licence allows the supply of alcohol for consumption, performance of live music and playing of live music up to 00.30am every day, as well as regulated entertainment until 2.30am.

Conditions imposed also required the use of CCTV inside and outside the premises, and a requirement for guests and patrons to be transported to the venue on coaches and shuttle buses.

Mr Dadds said he had been in contact with Miss Gutsul, and she was intending to attend the hearing, and the committee agreed with advice to adjourn.

The district council said a new date for the hearing will be communicated as soon as possible.

Riverside Mansions was approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.