The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to review the premises licence for Katherine Cash and Carry, a shop located at 359-361 Katherine Road, Forest Gate, E7 8LT. The review was prompted by concerns raised by the Council Licensing Enforcement Team, Trading Standards, and local residents regarding alleged breaches of licensing objectives.

The meeting was also scheduled to cover declarations of interest from committee members, and confirmation of the meeting procedure.

Review of Premises Licence for Katherine Cash and Carry

The primary focus of the meeting was to be the review of the premises licence for Katherine Cash and Carry, following an application submitted by the London Borough of Newham Licensing Enforcement Team. According to the report pack, the application was prompted by concerns related to the four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003¹: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The application stated that the review was necessary due to concerns about:

• Street Drinking: Allegations that the premises was selling to groups of street drinkers, who then caused a nuisance by littering, urinating, and creating noise disturbances.
• Licence breaches: Alleged breaches of licence conditions, including issues with staff training and authorisation to sell alcohol.
• Illicit cigarettes: The discovery of illicit cigarettes on the premises during a joint visit with Trading Standards and the Police.

The report pack included a detailed account of the Licensing Enforcement Officer's observations and investigations, including:

On 12th December 2024 officers in the London Borough of Newham Community Safety Team contacted the Licencing Team in relation to street drinkers in the Kathrine Road, Stafford Road and Lansdown Road E7. Area as there had been some complaints raised to them.

The report also refers to warning letters sent to the licence holder, HJJ Ltd, and the designated premises supervisor (DPS), JAYESHKUMAR CHANDRAKANT Jadhav, as well as requests for CCTV footage.

Representations

In addition to the Licensing Enforcement Team's application, the sub-committee was scheduled to consider representations from other parties:

• Trading Standards: A representation from Khalid Pervaiz of Trading Standards supported the review application, citing the seizure of illicit cigarettes, chewing tobacco, tobacco pouches and over 2ml tank size vapes from the premises. The representation also referenced the Licensing Act 2003 Section 182 Guidance, which states that:

“Where reviews arise and the licensing authority determines that the crime prevention objective is being undermined through the premises being used for criminal purposes, it is expected that revocation of the licence – even in the first instance – should be seriously considered.”

• Residents: Four representations from local residents were included in the report pack, raising concerns about anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, and safety issues related to the premises. One resident, M Patel, stated:

I have significant concerns about the detrimental impact this establishment is having on the local community, particularly in relation to the licensing objectives. Notably, individuals who appear to purchase alcohol from this premises often gather at the corner near Paddy Power, where they engage in public drinking, urination, shouting, and smoking. These activities have created a highly uncomfortable and unsafe environment, especially for women, children, and families living in or passing through the area.

Premises History

The report pack indicated that the premises licence was first issued on 26 January 2024. A copy of the current premises licence was included as an appendix, outlining the permitted licensable activities (supply of alcohol and late-night refreshment) and the associated hours. The licence also included a number of conditions, including requirements for CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy², staff training, a refusals book, and controls on alcohol sales.

Procedure

The agenda frontsheet included an outline of the procedure to be followed during the meeting, including introductions, presentations from the Licensing Officer, Responsible Authorities, Interested Parties, and the Licence holder, as well as an opportunity for questions and deliberation.