The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Dessertz, located at 344c Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 8BS, with conditions relating to CCTV coverage, signage and last orders. The sub-committee also agreed to reduce the licensable hours on weekdays to protect residents from noise.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussion points:

• Background of the application The sub-committee convened to consider a new premises licence application for Dessertz. The application requested permission to provide late night refreshments between 23:00 and 04:00, Monday to Sunday.

  The application received representations from:

  • The Council's Licensing Team, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.
  • The Council's Environmental Health team, focusing on the prevention of public nuisance.
  • Five local residents, raising concerns related to crime, disorder and public nuisance.

  The Public Reports Pack included the application form (Appendix A - Redacted), letters of representation from the Licensing Team (Appendix B_Redacted.pdf) and Environmental Health (Appendix C.pdf), resident representations (Appendix D1.pdf and Appendix D2.pdf), a map of the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) (Committee Report LNR Desertzz.pdf), additional statements and supporting documents from the applicant, a plan of the premises, and an area map and street view.

• Cumulative Impact Zone The location of Dessertz falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), meaning there is a presumption that applications for new premises licences will be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate that granting the licence will not negatively impact the area. The council's licensing policy outlines how applications within a CIZ are assessed.

• Representations from Responsible Authorities The Council Licensing Enforcement Team raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. These concerns stemmed from the premises operating without a licence, as evidenced by a warning letter issued on 4 October 2024. The team also presented screenshots from delivery platforms as evidence.

  The Commercial Environmental Health Team's representation focused on preventing public nuisance, citing complaints from residents about noise emanating from the premises.

• Resident Concerns Five residents submitted representations against the application, citing concerns about potential increases in crime and disorder and public nuisance.

• Applicant's Response The applicant, Abdul Rehman, Director of Dessertz Ltd, addressed the concerns raised by the responsible authorities and residents. He stated that he had only recently acquired the premises in July 2024, and that any prior complaints were against the previous owner. Rehman explained that upon realising the need for a late night premises licence, he applied for temporary event notices (TENs) and a full licence. He also engaged with residents to understand their concerns, offering further conditions to alleviate them. These included:

  • Revising late-night operating hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 pm to 3:00 am; Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.
  • Limiting services to online order collections only after 12:00 am.
  • Encouraging courier drivers to use electric motorbikes or bicycles.
  • Keeping the door closed after 11:00 pm, except for couriers.
  • Implementing measures to minimise noise and litter.
  • Displaying notices reminding couriers to respect local residents.
  • Offering courier drivers access to toilet facilities.

  Rehman also stated that drug use and loitering were not related to his customers, as the premises primarily operates as a takeaway service. He added that clear instructions were given to delivery drivers to ensure swift and quiet collections, with the power to ban non-compliant drivers.

• Sub-Committee Decision Despite the competing representations, the sub-committee decided to grant the licence, citing the applicant's demonstration of responsibility, understanding of the licensing regime, and willingness to work in partnership with the council and residents.

  The licence was granted with the following conditions:

  • Late Night Refreshment Hours:
    • Monday to Thursday: 23:00 to 02:00
    • Friday to Saturday: 23:00 to 04:00
    • Sunday to Monday: 23:00 to 03:00
  • CCTV:
    • A fully operational CCTV system must be maintained, recording all internal areas (excluding toilets) and the area immediately outside the premises.
    • Recordings must be kept for 31 days and made available to the police or council officers upon request.
    • Staff must be trained in the use of the CCTV equipment.
    • Digital cameras must capture full-frame shots of people entering the premises.
    • Signs must be displayed to advise that CCTV is in operation.
    • The CCTV system must be checked weekly, and any malfunctions reported immediately.
    • A digital camera must capture the immediate vicinity in front of the premises.
  • Training: All staff must receive training on the licensing objectives.
  • Log Book: A log book must be maintained to record any incidents related to the licensing objectives.
  • Noise:
    • All doors and windows must be kept closed after 23:00, except for couriers.
    • Notices must be displayed at exits instructing customers and delivery drivers to respect local residents and leave quietly.
    • The licensee must monitor noise levels outside nearby dwellings and take immediate action to address any public nuisance.
    • A direct telephone number for the manager must be publicly available.
    • Refuse disposal is restricted between 07:00 and 23:00.
  • Miscellaneous:
    • No orders for food can be accepted within 15 minutes of the end of licensable hours.
    • The premises is limited to online order collection only after 24:00.
    • There is no indoor seating at any time.
    • The area immediately outside the premises must be kept clean and tidy.

  The Printed Minutes of the meeting state that the sub-committee considered that the applicant had demonstrated that he would be a responsible premises licence holder.