The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Friday 12 November 2010 and refused an application for a Temporary Event Notice for Sutherland House, Sutherland Road, E17. The decision was made on the grounds that the event would undermine the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder.

Sutherland House, Sutherland Road, E17

The Sub-Committee considered and refused an application for a Temporary Event Notice for Sutherland House, Sutherland Road, Walthamstow, E17 6BU. The notice, submitted by Mrs Eunice Brown-Chung, was for an event to be held on 4 December 2010, from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM the following morning, covering the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshments.

The Metropolitan Police lodged an objection to the notice, citing concerns that the event would undermine the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. PC Wilcox of the Metropolitan Police expressed serious concerns about the premises' location on an industrial estate, its vulnerability, and the potential for over 200 people to disperse at 4:00 AM with no public transport operating. Colleagues had prior dealings with Sutherland House in relation to illegal parties, and concerns were raised about Mr Mensah, the leaseholder. PC Neale noted that while Mrs Brown-Chung had made a previous application in June 2010, and he had initially been receptive to her plans for this event, subsequent information about her daughter's attendance at an illegal event on the premises on 30 October 2010, which was fortunately stopped, had changed his view. He also mentioned an incident where a gentleman referred to Mr Mensah as 'Uncle' and had taken keys to the premises without Mr Mensah's knowledge.

Mrs Brown-Chung explained that she had previously applied for a Temporary Events Notice and agreed with its refusal as the premises were not up to standard. She stated she had been advised to put her proposed improvements in writing, which she did. She also clarified that she organises events across London for local businesses in the hairdressing and barber industry, and that security, a catwalk, and music would be present, but not at a volume that would disturb neighbours. Mr Mensah confirmed that PC Neale had inspected the premises and identified issues with toilet facilities, the need for a ramp for disabled guests, and the installation of cameras. He also confirmed that a staff member who had given away keys was no longer employed.

Councillor Farooq Qureshi questioned Mrs Brown-Chung about the event's organisation, noting a mobile number on a flyer and asking if the listed organisations were sponsoring the event, which they were not. He also asked if she was a registered body, which she was not, and stated that it was not the police's job to advise on such matters.

In summing up, the Police reiterated their concerns about Mr Mensah's connections and asked the Sub-Committee to reject the application. Mrs Brown-Chung asked the Sub-Committee to judge her on her achievements rather than the event itself.

The Sub-Committee, having considered the objection notice and heard representations from both the Police and the applicant, resolved to refuse the application for the Temporary Event Notice. The reasons for refusal were that it was deemed necessary to do so for the prevention of crime and disorder. The Sub-Committee stated they had sympathy with the applicant but were not satisfied that the event would be safe and free from crime. The decision means that Mrs Brown-Chung has a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of being notified of the Licensing Authority's decision.