The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday 20 February 2018 to conduct a full review of the Premises Licence for Ginger Sky Caribbean Restaurant & Bar. The Sub-Committee decided to suspend the licence until 26 April 2018 and remove Mr and Mrs Watts as Designated Premises Supervisors.

Premises Licence Full Review - Ginger Sky Caribbean Restaurant & Bar

The Sub-Committee conducted a full review of the Premises Licence for Ginger Sky Caribbean Restaurant & Bar, located at 291-293 High Road, Ilford IG1 1NR. This review was initiated following a summary review application by the police, who cited serious crime and disorder associated with the premises.

The police, represented by Counsel James Rankin, presented concerns regarding a serious incident of violence on 23 December 2017, intelligence reports, and evidence of open drug taking. While the police did not seek a revocation of the licence, they suggested either modifying the licence conditions to restaurant-only operations or suspending the licence.

Representing the premises licence holders, Mr. Edwards argued against revoking the licence, stating it would destroy the value of the premises and the investment made. He highlighted that the incident was short-lived, no bloodstains were found, and security acted swiftly. Mr. Edwards also noted that the premises had ceased trading, incurring significant business rates costs, and that a buyer had been secured, with the sale pending the outcome of the hearing.

The Sub-Committee found that a blade had been carried onto the premises and that the stabbing incident had occurred inside the venue, a fact accepted by Mr. Edwards. They also noted that CCTV footage demonstrated individuals openly smoking drugs, sometimes in the presence of Mr. Watts. Consequently, the Sub-Committee expressed serious concerns about the ability of the Premises Licence Holders to operate the premises in a manner compatible with the licensing objectives.

Decision: The Sub-Committee decided to suspend the licence until 26 April 2018 and remove Mr and Mrs Watts as Designated Premises Supervisors. They deemed these actions appropriate and proportionate in addressing the licensing objectives. The interim steps of the suspension will remain in place until the period for appealing the decision has expired or any appeal has been determined.

The Sub-Committee also noted that two additional documents were circulated prior to the meeting: a statement from Roses Security Limited detailing their security measures and a statement from the victim of the stabbing. The premises had been licensed for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, and late-night refreshment, with operating hours extending into the early morning.

The Sub-Committee also resolved to exclude the public from a portion of the meeting.