The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Zahra Grill and Restaurant. The committee was also set to review the procedure for licensing hearings.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to follow a defined procedure for its licensing hearings. This procedure outlines the steps to be taken, starting with the Chair explaining the process to the parties involved. An officer from the Licensing Authority would then present a factual summary of the application. The committee would then consider the case presented by the applicant, followed by the case from any responsible authority making a representation. This would be followed by questioning of both parties by the Sub-Committee members. Finally, each responsible authority making a representation would have an opportunity for summing up, followed by the applicant. The Sub-Committee would then deliberate and make a decision in private, with official notice to be sent within five working days.

Zahra Grill and Restaurant - New Premises Licence Application

A significant item on the agenda was the application for a new premises licence for Zahra Grill and Restaurant, located at 82 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2LA. The application, submitted by Zahra Grill and Restaurant Ltd, sought to permit the licensable activity of late-night refreshment.

The proposed operating hours for late-night refreshment were from 23:00 to 03:00 the following day, Monday to Sunday. The premises would be open to the public from 06:00 to 03:00 the following day, Monday to Sunday. The applicant described the premises as a family-run food establishment offering grilled dishes and hot meals for dine-in and takeaway. The restaurant specialises in grilled meats, burgers, wraps, curries, and naan breads, and does not serve alcohol.

The application included a proposed schedule of conditions aimed at promoting the licensing objectives. However, three objections were lodged by responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement team, and the Council's Community Protection Task Force (CPTF). These objections were based on concerns that the application could negatively impact the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, and ensuring public safety.

The premises is situated within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), a designated area where there is a rebuttable presumption that new premises licence applications will be refused due to the cumulative effect of licensed premises. The report highlighted that the Ilford Town CIZ has been retained due to issues such as street drinking, public nuisance, litter, crime, and disorder.

The report outlined the legal framework for premises licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003, including the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also referenced the Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹.

The report detailed the council's policy considerations, including the approach to Cumulative Impact Zones and the specific framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Ilford Lane area, noting that the application sought hours significantly beyond these recommendations. It also touched upon legal and equality implications, including the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.

The report included appendices containing the application form, premises layout plan, Google Maps and Street View images, details of the responsible authorities' representations, and a map of the Ilford Town CIZ.