The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Smoke and Pepper, a restaurant located at 545 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the procedure for licensing hearings.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Smoke and Pepper

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Smoke and Pepper, located at 545 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, London IG2 6HE. The applicant, S&P Gants Hill Ltd, sought to offer late-night refreshment from Monday to Sunday, between 23:00 and 03:00 the following day. The premises are described as a casual dining restaurant with a seating capacity of 20, which does not sell alcohol.

The report pack indicated that three objections had been lodged by responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, and the Public Health team. These objections were based on concerns that the application might negatively impact all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

A key point of contention was the premises' location within the Gants Hill Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ outlines that within a CIZ, there is a rebuttable presumption that applications for new premises licences will be refused. ² The policy further states that departures from this presumption would only be made in exceptional circumstances where an applicant can demonstrate that granting an application will not add to cumulative impact. ³

The report pack highlighted that the requested operating hours of 03:00 were significantly beyond the framework hours ⁴ recommended in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy for restaurants and cafes in the Gants Hill area. The framework hours for restaurants and cafes in this area are typically Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:30, Friday to Saturday from 10:00 to 00:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00.

The report also noted a conflict with existing planning permission for the premises. Planning Condition 0234/20 restricted customer admission to 11:00 to midnight on Mondays to Saturdays, and 11:00 to 22:00 on Sundays, specifically to prevent undue disturbance to occupants of neighbouring property at unreasonable hours. ⁵

The report detailed the procedure for licensing hearings, which would involve the Chair explaining the procedure, an officer presenting a factual summary, and then considering the case on behalf of the applicant and any responsible authorities making representations. This would be followed by summing up and the Sub-Committee deciding the matter in private.