The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Premier Heathway, located at 303 Heathway, Dagenham, RM9 5AQ. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for a Premises Licence: Premier Heathway

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Premier Heathway, located at 303 Heathway, Dagenham, RM9 5AQ. The application, submitted by Kandasamy Krishnamenan, sought permission for the sale of alcohol off the premises from Monday to Sunday, between 06:00 and 02:00, and for late-night refreshment from Monday to Sunday, between 23:00 and 02:00.

The report pack indicated that nine representations had been received against the application: eight from local residents and one from a responsible authority, the Metropolitan Police. These representations were made under the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Owen Dunn, submitted a representation outlining concerns about the proposed hours for the sale of alcohol, particularly the early start time of 06:00 and the late finish of 02:00. They argued that these hours were irresponsible in an area that already experiences issues with street drinking and would undermine the licensing objectives. The police also suggested additional conditions to the operating schedule, including a restriction on high-strength beers, lagers, and ciders (above 6.5% ABV) and a prohibition on the sale of single cans of beer, lagers, or ciders.

Several residents also submitted objections. Concerns raised included an increase in public nuisance, crime, and disorder, particularly in relation to street drinking, littering, and anti-social behaviour. Residents also expressed worries about the safety of children and vulnerable individuals, citing existing issues in the area, such as public intoxication and aggressive behaviour. Some objectors highlighted the proximity of other licensed premises on Heathway and questioned the need for an additional off-licence.

The report pack detailed the procedure for premises licence applications and variations, which the Sub-Committee was expected to follow. This procedure involves the presentation of the application, allowing objectors and the applicant to present their cases, followed by questions from the Sub-Committee members. The Sub-Committee would then retire to consider its decision.

The report also outlined the legal framework under which the application was being considered, primarily the Licensing Act 2003, and the council's own LBBD Licensing Policy and Statutory Guidance. The Sub-Committee's options were to refuse the application, approve it with conditions, or grant it in full as applied for.