The Licensing Act 2003 Subcommittee convened to review the premises licence for CK Off Licence and Groceries, located at 111 Romford Road, Stratford E15 4LY. The review was initiated following an application by a local resident, citing concerns over crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. After hearing from all parties, the committee adjourned to deliberate in private.

Review of CK Off Licence and Groceries

The primary focus of the meeting was the review of the premises licence for CK Off Licence and Groceries, following an application submitted by a local resident, Nafi Karim. The application, detailed in Appendix A of the public reports pack, cited concerns across all four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Nafi Karim, the resident who submitted the review application, stated that he was:

directly affected by persistent antisocial behaviour linked to this premises. Groups of men regularly gather outside after purchasing alcohol. They drink in the street, become intoxicated, and act aggressively and threateningly towards residents and passers-by.

He also raised concerns about public urination, harassment, and the impact on his younger sister and autistic brother.

Joanne Perez, Case Officer, presented the licensing team's report, noting that the application was advertised via notices in the vicinity of the premises. The report also referenced Appendix B, which contained letters of representation, warning letters, and photographic evidence. Six letters supporting the premises were included as Appendix C, and the applicant's response to these letters was attached as Appendix D.

The committee heard that in 2007, an application to extend the sale of alcohol to 24 hours a day had been refused. The current premises licence was included as Appendix E, and an area plan as Appendix F.

Costanza Wyatt from the Licensing Team, filling in for Shane Passman, confirmed that a warning letter had been sent to the premises on 2 June 2025, following a test purchase where alcohol was sold after hours and heavily intoxicated individuals, described as street drinkers, were served.

David Dads, Council, presented street view images of the area, highlighting where street drinkers tend to congregate, specifically on the steps near the shop and in Ferns Road.

Kevin Rogerson, a local resident, spoke in support of CK Off-Licence and Groceries, asserting that the business should not be held responsible for wider issues affecting the area. He argued that anti-social behaviour was not specifically linked to the shop and that drug-related activity occurred behind the premises, indicating a policing issue.

Other Licensed Premises

Councillor Shaban Hamid asked about the conditions imposed on other licensed premises in the vicinity. Costanza Wyatt stated that the Tesco at 120 Romford Road (the old Pigeons pub) had conditions restricting the strength of beer, cider and lager to 5.5% ABV¹ or less, and requiring multipack sales of at least four cans. She also noted that another premises at 107 Romford Road, Stratford News and Wine, was subject to a review. Sainsbury's further up the road had fewer conditions, mainly relating to refusals books, CCTV, staff training, and Challenge 21².