The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider three applications for the variation of premises licences. These applications involved extending operating hours and, in one case, incorporating an outdoor seating area. The committee was also to review the minutes of a previous meeting and note the rules of procedure.

Application for a Variation of a Premises Licence for The Widow's Son

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Widow's Son, located at 75 Devon's Road, London E3 3PJ. The proposed variations included extending the hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of late-night refreshment, as well as including an external seating area within the licensed premises.

The report pack indicated that representations against the application had been received from residents, Environmental Protection, and the Licensing Authority. These representations primarily focused on concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder. Residents highlighted issues with noise, litter, and potential anti-social behaviour, particularly in relation to the proposed use of the outdoor area and extended hours. Environmental Protection raised concerns about noise breakout and the impact of increased footfall and patron behaviour during late hours. The Licensing Authority also objected, citing concerns about potential undermining of licensing objectives due to extended hours and the historical context of the premises.

The applicant had proposed additional conditions, including increased staffing after 9 pm, the closure of the outside seating area at 11 pm, and children under 18 vacating the premises by 11 pm. However, the report noted that some of the existing conditions on the licence were considered by the Licensing Authority to be difficult to enforce or already covered by law.

Application for a Variation of a Premises Licence for Milano Express Pizza and Peri Peri

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Milano Express Pizza and Peri Peri, located at 479 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9BU. The proposed variation sought to extend the hours for the provision of late-night refreshments. The existing licence allowed for late-night refreshment until 1 am from Sunday to Thursday and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant proposed extending these hours to 4 am from Sunday to Thursday and 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A representation was received from Environmental Protection, raising concerns about potential public nuisance due to noise breakout, patron access and egress, and the extended hours of operation. The Environmental Health Officer noted that the proposed hours significantly exceeded the council's framework hours and that the premises were in close proximity to residential properties.

The applicant, Abdul Wadood Mangal, responded to these concerns, clarifying that the premises operates solely as a takeaway and delivery service, with no sit-in customers after 1 am. He stated that no music or entertainment is provided, and deliveries are managed by directly engaged drivers to minimise disturbance. He also noted that the surrounding area already has several late-night uses.

Application for a Variation of a Premises Licence for Mario's Pizza

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Mario's Pizza, located at 133 Salmon Lane, London E14 7PG. The proposed variation sought to extend the hours for the provision of late-night refreshment. The existing licence permitted late-night refreshment until midnight from Monday to Thursday and 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The applicant proposed extending these hours to 2 am from Monday to Saturday and 1 am on Sundays.

Representations were received from residents, Environmental Protection, the Licensing Authority, and two individuals, Hafiz Rashid/Maruf Ahmed and Shahin Miah. The primary concerns raised related to the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Residents and Environmental Protection highlighted issues with noise from the extractor fan, strong odours, and potential anti-social behaviour associated with late-night operations. The Licensing Authority's representation detailed a history of failed test purchases for operating beyond licensable hours, indicating a lack of respect for the Licensing Act 2003 and raising doubts about the applicant's ability to abide by licence conditions if the variation were granted. The proposed hours were also noted to significantly exceed the council's framework hours.

The applicant, Abdullah Sahil, had offered a condition that children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times within the premises. The report also noted that the premises had a history of operating beyond its licensable hours, with multiple warnings and a failed test purchase documented.