The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence. The primary focus of the meeting will be on an application for Rasa Food & Wine, located at 20 Station Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 6JN. The committee, composed of Councillor Philippa Crowder, Councillor Jane Keane, and Councillor Christine Smith, will assess the application made by Tharsan Sivasaravanamuthu, taking into account representations from interested parties.

Application for a Premises Licence - Rasa Food & Wine

The sub-committee is scheduled to review an application made under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for a premises licence for Rasa Food & Wine, 20 Station Lane, Hornchurch. The applicant, Tharsan Sivasaravanamuthu, seeks authorisation for off-sales of alcohol from Monday to Sunday, between the hours of 08:00 and 23:00.

According to the Public Reports Pack, the premises is described as:

The business is located in a midterrace ground floor retail unit situated in a busy main road in Hornchurch Town Centre with residential accommodation above. The business will operate as a convenience store and off licence.

The report pack notes that prior to submitting the application, the agent for Mr Sivasaravanamuthu engaged with the authorities, and was advised on conditions that would be desirable, given that the location is in a Cumulative Impact Zone¹ (CIZ). These included limited hours, ABV²% and multi pack sales. These, and additional conditions, were included in the application.

The Licensing Officer's Report notes that the licensing authority received 10 representations from interested parties, but none from responsible authorities³.

Several of the representations included in the report pack raise concerns about the impact of the proposed licence on the licensing objectives[^5].

One representation from Mr Ismail Gozel, a resident of Station Lane, expresses concerns that the licence would undermine all four licensing objectives:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Mr Gozel suggests that Station Lane already experiences issues with anti-social behaviour, and that the new shop would exacerbate these problems, becoming a feeder point for people drinking before going to nearby pubs such as Sutton Arms and Vertigo Bar. He also raises concerns about the shop becoming a target for theft.
• Public Nuisance: Mr Gozel says that residents are already disturbed by noise, smoking, and litter, and that the new shop would add to these disturbances. He also mentions problems with public urination and broken bottles.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Mr Gozel is concerned about the proximity of the shop to schools and bus stops, and the potential for underage children to be influenced to buy alcohol or vapes.
• Cumulative Impact: Mr Gozel believes that the area is already saturated with shops selling alcohol, including Costcutter, Kevils Off Licence, Oncu Food Centre, Sainsbury's, Iceland and Lidl, and that another off-licence would create more problems.

Another representation, from Asine lemeghe, raises similar concerns, particularly highlighting the impact on her health and safety now that she is pregnant, and suggesting that the proposed shop is likely to bring more harm than good, and that Hornchurch should aim to remain a bright, welcoming town centre—not turn into another Romford.

Jimmy ∟leshi, a resident of High Street, Hornchurch, raised concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

Ana lourenço, a resident of High Street, Hornchurch, also expressed concerns about the impact of another off-licence on the community, particularly regarding the protection of children from harm and the prevention of public nuisance.

linda roberts, the manager of a retirement block of flats in Fentiman Way, Hornchurch, raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder, and the safety of elderly residents.

Griselda Selami, a resident of High Street, Hornchurch, objected to the application, citing concerns about public nuisance and safety, the impact on children, existing night-time disturbance, residential amenity, and traffic and congestion.

Sokol Toci, who lives on High Street, Hornchurch, objected to the application, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children and families.

Kenan op., a resident of High Street, Hornchurch, raised concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

WILLIAM WHITNEY, a resident of Goldscare Court, Hornchurch, objected to the application, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, the protection of children and vulnerable people, and the lack of community need for another alcohol shop.

The sub-committee will be required to consider these representations when making a determination on the application.

Procedure for the Hearing: Licensing Act 2003

The sub-committee will be asked to note the procedure for the hearing, as outlined in the Report of the Clerk. This report outlines the legal framework for considering the application, as defined in the Licensing Act 2003 and associated regulations.

The report details the options available to the sub-committee, which include modifying the conditions of the licence or rejecting the whole or part of the application. It also notes that if none of these steps is required, the application must be granted.

The report also outlines the recommended procedural steps for the hearing, including:

• Confirmation of attendance.
• Introduction of the application by the Licensing officer.
• Consideration of documentary evidence.
• Representations from parties.
• Cross-examination of witnesses (if permitted).
• Consideration of the relevance of information to the licensing objectives.

The report also sets out the process for dealing with situations where parties fail to attend the hearing, and the sub-committee's power to adjourn the hearing or exclude people from it.