The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider two applications for Temporary Event Notices (TENs). Both applications sought to extend operating hours to provide late-night refreshment during the month of Ramadan. Objections were raised by the Community Protection Task Force in both cases, citing concerns about public nuisance and public safety.

Application for Temporary Event Notice: Monal Restaurant

The committee was scheduled to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Monal Restaurant, located at 407 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2SN. The application, submitted by Mr. Hafiz Syed Ahmed Hassan, director of Monal Restaurant Limited, requested permission to provide late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 05:00 hours daily from Saturday 14 March to Friday 20 March 2026.

The applicant stated that the extension was to support the Muslim community during Ramadan by providing the pre-dawn meal known as Sehri (or Suhoor). The report pack noted that an objection had been received from the Community Protection Task Force (CPTF), raising concerns that the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and ensuring public safety might be undermined. The CPTF's objections highlighted issues such as increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Ilford Lane during late hours, historical complaints of noise and anti-social behaviour, proximity to residential properties, potential parking problems, and concerns about noise from patrons and delivery drivers. The premises is located within the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), where framework hours for restaurants are generally earlier than requested.

The Sub-Committee was to decide whether to allow the temporary event to take place or to issue a counter notice. The report pack included a recommendation for the Sub-Committee to consider these options.

Application for Temporary Event Notice: Zahra Grill Restaurant

The committee was also scheduled to consider a TEN for Zahra Grill Restaurant, located at 82 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2LA. This application, submitted by Mrs. Sadia Ijaz, director of Zahra Grill and Restaurant Limited, requested permission to provide late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 05:00 hours daily from Thursday 12 March to Wednesday 18 March 2026.

Similar to the Monal Restaurant application, Zahra Grill stated that the extended hours were to accommodate the pre-dawn meal (Sehri) during Ramadan, offering hot food and beverages to the local community. An objection notice was received from the CPTF, citing concerns regarding public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. The objections mirrored those raised for Monal Restaurant, detailing issues with late-night activity on Ilford Lane, potential disturbances to residents, parking difficulties, and the premises' location within the CIZ.

The Sub-Committee was to consider whether to allow the temporary event or issue a counter notice. The report pack included a recommendation for the Sub-Committee to make this decision.

The meeting agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, the election of a chair, and declarations of interest. There was also a scheduled item for Results of Appeals, though no specific details were provided in the available documentation. The procedure for hearings concerning Temporary Event Notices was also outlined, detailing the steps for presenting cases and questioning witnesses.