The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider two applications for new premises licences for Chef's Pizza, one located in Barkingside and the other in Ilford. Both applications seek permission for late-night refreshment and extended opening hours, which have drawn objections from responsible authorities citing concerns over the licensing objectives.

Application for Chef's Pizza, 12 High Street, Barkingside, IG6 2DF

The committee is set to review an application for a new premises licence for Chef's Pizza at 12 High Street, Barkingside, IG6 2DF. The applicant, Mazhar Iqbal, trading as Chef's Pizza, is seeking to provide late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 03:00 daily, with the premises open to the public from 11:00 to 03:00. The premises is described as a ground-floor, mid-terrace unit with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Objections have been lodged by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, and the Community Protection Task Force (CPTF). These objections are based on concerns that granting the licence could negatively impact the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and preventing public nuisance. The Licensing Enforcement Team notes that the area has residential properties above commercial units and experiences issues with anti-social behaviour and crime. The CPTF highlights concerns about noise from patrons and delivery drivers, as well as the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and crime due to late-night activity. The Metropolitan Police also express concerns about increased footfall from intoxicated patrons, leading to potential public nuisance and disorder.

The report outlines the procedure for licensing hearings, detailing the order of evidence presentation and decision-making. It also references the Licensing Act 2003¹, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy², which guides the committee's decision-making process. The policy includes framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Fairlop area, and the application's requested hours significantly exceed these.

Application for Chef's Pizza, 218 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1QE

A similar application has been submitted for Chef's Pizza at 218 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1QE, also by Mazhar Iqbal. This application also seeks permission for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 03:00 daily, with the premises open to the public during the same hours. The description of the premises is identical to the Barkingside application, with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

This application has also attracted objections from the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, and the CPTF. A key concern is that the premises is located within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)³. The Council's Statement of Licensing Policy⁴ states a rebuttable presumption to refuse applications within a CIZ unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. The Licensing Enforcement Team notes the presence of residential properties above the commercial units and highlights the significant number of crimes reported in the Ilford Town Centre area. The CPTF raises concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder, particularly in relation to late-night activity, parking, and the use of food delivery platforms. The Metropolitan Police also object on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance, citing the issues already present in the CIZ, including street drinking, prostitution, litter, and anti-social behaviour. They also note the existence of a Public Space Protection Order⁵ in the area aimed at addressing these issues.

The report for this application also details the requirements for premises licence applications, the licensing objectives, and policy considerations, including the specific approach to CIZs. The requested hours are noted as significantly exceeding the framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Ilford Town area.

The committee will also be reminded of the procedure for licensing hearings, as detailed in the hearing procedure licensing 2003 - Only responsible Authorities.pdf document.