The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 01 October 2024 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Premier Heathway, located at 303 Heathway, Dagenham RM9 5AQ. The committee granted the licence with amended hours and additional conditions, following objections from the Metropolitan Police and eight interested parties.

Premier Heathway Premises Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a new premises licence for Premier Heathway, a convenience store at 303 Heathway, Dagenham. The applicant, Kandasamy Krishnamenan, sought permission to sell alcohol off the premises and provide late-night refreshment.

Initially, the application proposed alcohol sales from 6:00 am to 2:00 am the following day, seven days a week, and late-night refreshment between 11:00 pm and 2:00 am. However, significant concerns were raised by the Metropolitan Police and eight local residents.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Owen Dunn, objected to the proposed hours, citing issues with street drinking, anti-social behaviour, and public safety in the area. They argued that the early morning and late-night alcohol sales would exacerbate existing problems and undermine the licensing objectives. The police recommended a reduction in hours, with alcohol sales commencing no earlier than 10:00 am and concluding at 11:30 pm. They also proposed additional conditions, including a ban on the sale of high-strength beers, lagers, or ciders (over 6.5% ABV) and a prohibition on selling single cans of these beverages.

Eight interested parties also submitted objections, echoing the police's concerns about increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Residents highlighted issues with littering, public intoxication, and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Heathway, particularly near the Dagenham Heathway tube station. Several objectors noted the presence of numerous existing off-licences in the area and argued that another would not benefit the community and could worsen existing problems.

During the hearing, the applicant's agent, Nira Suresh of Arka Licensing Consultants, engaged in discussions with the committee and addressed the concerns raised. An agreement was reached with the Metropolitan Police to amend the proposed hours. The revised hours for alcohol sales were set from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm daily, and for late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm daily. The condition regarding the sale of high-strength alcohol was also agreed upon.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Adegboyega Oluwole, with members Councillor Sabbir Zamee and Councillor Lynda Rice, deliberated on the application. They ultimately decided to grant the premises licence with the amended hours and the agreed conditions. In addition to the conditions agreed with the police, the Sub-Committee imposed two further conditions:

1. No single cans of beers, lagers, or ciders shall be sold. This measure is intended to deter street drinkers.
2. Alcohol shall be concealed behind a cover when the premises are open outside of licensing hours. This condition aims to prevent the sale of alcohol when not permitted.

The committee noted the applicant's stated experience of operating licensed premises for approximately 20 years, which contributed to their decision. The meeting concluded at 8:12 pm.