The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 3 January 2024 to consider an application for a new premises licence for D'Will Events Centre. The application was withdrawn by the applicant during the meeting.

D'Will Events Centre Premises Licence Application

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for D'Will Events Centre, located at Selinas Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1QH. The applicant, Fola Kelani Afolabi, sought to offer a range of licensable activities, including the performance of plays, live and recorded music, dance, the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, and late-night refreshment. The proposed hours of operation were extensive, running from 8:00 am to 1:00 am Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8:00 am to 3:00 am on Sundays.

Representations objecting to the application were received from three responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer, the Council's Environmental Protection Officer, and the Council's Licensing Authority Responsible Authority Officer. These objections were primarily based on concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance.

The Metropolitan Police raised concerns about the extended hours for alcohol sales, suggesting they could lead to increased intoxication and associated crime. They also highlighted a lack of clarity in the application regarding how events would be controlled, particularly when the venue is hired out to third parties. The police noted previous objections to Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for the venue and expressed a lack of confidence in the applicant's ability to manage a licensed premises with such late hours.

The Environmental Protection Officer's representation focused on the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residential properties, located approximately 80 metres from the site. Concerns were raised about the building's construction, which was described as a lightweight industrial warehouse, offering limited sound insulation. The officer recommended refusal of the application as presented, suggesting that without further mitigation, the proposed use could lead to significant noise breakout and disturbance.

The Council's Licensing Authority also submitted an objection, echoing concerns about the extensive hours for alcohol sales and their potential to increase intoxication and anti-social behaviour. They highlighted the policy on the hire of premises to third parties, emphasizing the licensee's ongoing responsibility and the need for robust vetting procedures, which they felt were not adequately demonstrated in the application. The authority also raised concerns about public nuisance due to the late hours and the proximity of residential properties, stating that the application did not sufficiently consider the potential negative impact.

During the hearing, the applicant's representative advised the Committee that the applicant was inexperienced in completing premises licence applications and had not engaged professional support. Consequently, the applicant decided to withdraw the application. It was stated that the applicant intended to submit a number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to gain more experience in running licensed events. This approach would allow for staff training and the development of a more robust operating schedule before resubmitting a revised premises licence application with reduced hours. The applicant anticipated that this would better meet the requirements of the responsible authorities, particularly concerning the hiring of the premises to third parties.