The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Boka by Palms, located within The Palms Hotel on Southend Arterial Road, Hornchurch. The application sought to permit a range of licensable activities, including the supply of alcohol, films, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment, with proposed operating hours extending into the early morning. The committee also had before it procedural reports and representations from responsible authorities, including the Police and Havering's Environmental Health team, outlining concerns regarding the application.

Application for a Premises Licence at The Palms Hotel (Boka by Palms)

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Boka by Palms, located at The Palms Hotel, Southend Arterial Road, Hornchurch, RM11 3UJ. The application, made by Boka By Palms Ltd under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, sought permission for various licensable activities.

The proposed hours for films, live music, and recorded music were Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 00:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 01:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30. These activities were to be provided indoors only.

Late-night refreshment was proposed for Monday to Wednesday from 23:00 to 00:00, Thursday from 23:00 to 01:00, Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 23:00 to 22:30, also indoors only.

The supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises was requested for Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 00:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 01:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30. Special hours were proposed for Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

The premises were described as a restaurant with a capacity of over 200 people inside and approximately 70 people outside. The proposed opening hours for the premises to the public were Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 00:20, Thursday from 10:00 to 01:20, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 02:20, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:50.

Representations from Responsible Authorities

The report indicated that there were no representations against the application from local residents or businesses. However, three representations were received from responsible authorities: the Licensing Authority, the Police, and Havering's Environmental Health team.

The Police, represented by PC Chris Stockman, objected to the application on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. Concerns were raised about the lack of clarity regarding the use of the outside area, insufficient conditions to uphold licensing objectives in this area, and proposed hours that exceeded Havering's licensing policy for restaurants. The Police noted a previous serious incident at The Palms Hotel in June 2025, involving a stabbing and assault, which had led to discussions about updating the premises licence. They expressed uncertainty about the intended use of the outdoor area and the differing conditions proposed for the indoor and outdoor areas.

Havering's Environmental Health team, represented by Mike Richardson, Team Leader, also raised objections concerning the terminal hours requested, stating they were not in keeping with the Council's licensing policy. While acknowledging that the A127 Southend Arterial Road provided some buffer to nearby residents, the team expressed concern that late hours could lead to noise from customers leaving the venue when traffic noise is reduced, making it more intrusive. They also noted that the noise from the road is of a different nature than noise from the venue. The Environmental Health team requested specific noise control measures and a Public Nuisance Policy to be agreed upon.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Oisin Daly, also submitted a representation, objecting to the application as proposed. Concerns were focused on the potential undermining of the licensing objectives of crime and disorder and public nuisance, particularly regarding the external seating/smoking area. The proposed hours were considered late for a restaurant, and the applicant's justification that hotel residents might wish to order food late at night was noted. The Licensing Authority suggested conditions such as late-night refreshment only being served to hotel residents in their rooms from midnight onwards, and that the hours for alcohol sales and regulated entertainment be brought in line with policy. Concerns were also raised about the external area's use, the adequacy of proposed conditions, and the potential need for SIA door staff at a ratio of 1:100 persons for the outdoor area if open beyond 23:00.

Procedural Matters

The agenda also included a report from the Clerk detailing the procedure for the hearing under the Licensing Act 2003. This outlined the roles of participants, the process for considering representations, and the sub-committee's determination options, which include modifying licence conditions or rejecting the application.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Philippa Crowder, with Councillors Jane Keane and Christine Smith also in attendance.