The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for German Doner Kebab. The committee decided to grant the application in part, restricting the late-night refreshment hours and the overall opening hours.

Grant of Premises Licence for German Doner Kebab

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence for German Doner Kebab, located at 706 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3AJ. The applicant, Mr Raza Nahid, acting on behalf of HGJ Foods Group Ltd, sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment until 1:00 am from Sunday to Thursday and 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday. The premises also sought to be open to the public during these extended hours.

During the consultation period, two representations were received from other persons (residents) and one from the licensing authority. The representations from residents raised concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, protection of children from harm, and the prevention of crime and disorder. The licensing authority's representation was withdrawn after the applicant agreed to incorporate proposed conditions into the licence.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Catherine Deakin, heard oral representations from the applicant, Mr Raza Nahid, store manager Mr Waseem Ahmed, director of HGJ Foods Group Ltd Ms Hakim Jatoi, residents Melissa Darragh and Braden Fletcher, and Ward Councillor Marie Pye.

The residents expressed concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB), begging, and loitering in the area since the business opened. They highlighted issues with bin storage, noise from refrigeration units and extraction fans, and potential smell nuisance, particularly given the premises' proximity to residential flats. Councillor Pye corroborated these concerns, stating that the area is a hotspot for ASB and aggressive begging. Concerns were also raised about the proximity of the takeaway to a local nursery, Harvey House Nursery, and a park, Henry Reynolds Gardens, potentially impacting the protection of children from harm.

The applicant, HGJ Foods Group Ltd, presented evidence that they are an alcohol-free, halal food business with a comprehensive CCTV system and trained staff. They stated that from 10 pm, the premises would operate solely for takeaway and delivery, with no seating available. They also detailed measures taken to address noise issues, including soundproofing near refrigeration units, and committed to maintaining a clean environment and working with residents.

After considering all representations and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, the Sub-Committee decided to GRANT the application IN PART. The approved hours for late-night refreshment are Friday to Saturday: 23:00-01:00. The hours the premises will be open to the public are Sunday to Thursday: 10:30-23:00 and Friday to Saturday: 10:30-01:00.

The Sub-Committee acknowledged the applicant's responsible approach and efforts to resolve issues, but also recognised the significant existing problems in the area and the proximity of the premises to residential properties. They concluded that granting the application in part, with the agreed conditions, would uphold the licensing objectives and help alleviate residents' concerns.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Catherine Deakin (Chair), Councillors Raja Anwar and Kay Isa, with officers Christopher Foxton (Democratic Services Officer), Donya Kalantari (Committee Lawyer), and Fareeha Malik (Licensing Officer). Apologies were received from Councillor Sally Littlejohn.