The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 2 February 2016 to consider an urgent review of the premises licence for Bojangles, a venue located at 1 Old Church Road, Chingford, London E4 6SJ. The committee imposed interim measures to address concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police regarding crime and disorder.

Bojangles Premises Licence Review

The Sub-Committee considered an application for an expedited review of the premises licence for Bojangles, following concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police. The review was convened under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows for interim steps to be taken to promote the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder.

The committee heard representations from PC Matt Brown and PC Donna Willcox of the Metropolitan Police, who presented evidence regarding breaches of the licence conditions. These included operating beyond the permitted hours, allowing admissions after 1.00 am, and a non-operational CCTV system. The police also highlighted incidents where patrons were injured and arrested.

In response to these concerns, the Sub-Committee determined that several interim steps were necessary and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives. These measures, which came into force immediately, include:

• CCTV System: The installation and operation of a CCTV system covering all entry and exit points, with recordings stored for a minimum of 30 days and made available to the police or Local Authority within 24 hours of a request. A staff member familiar with the CCTV system must be present at all times the premises is open.
• Club Scan: Installation and use of a Club Scan system for all promoted events and on Friday and Saturday nights from 9.00 pm onwards, as well as on days preceding bank holidays. All customers must provide photo ID for entry into the system, and data must be available to the police or Council within 24 hours of a request.
• Bookings Policy/Risk Assessment: The premises licence holder must conduct a risk assessment for any private booking of more than 10 persons or any promoted event. Form 696, a promoted event assessment form, must be submitted to the police at least 14 days prior to any such event. The police retain an absolute right of veto on these events.
• SIA Staffing: A minimum of two SIA registered door supervisors must be present when live music or DJs are operating from 9.00 pm to close on Friday and Saturday nights, and during any promoted event. Door staff must comply with SIA requirements.
• Incident Log: An incident log must be maintained at the premises, recording complaints, seizures of drugs or offensive weapons, violence, other criminal incidents, and visits by authorities.
• Search Policy: A written search policy must be implemented to prevent the membawa of illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal items onto the premises.
• Staff Training: Adequate and documented staff training is required in dealing with incidents, crime prevention, and the sale of alcohol.
• Glassware: After 9.00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and on nights preceding bank holidays or during promoted events, all drinks must be served in toughened glass or polycarbonate containers. Bottles must be decanted before service.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that these interim steps were necessary and appropriate under Section 53A-B of the Licensing Act 2003, which targets serious crime and disorder. The reasons for imposing these measures included breaches of licence conditions, operating beyond permitted hours, patron injuries and arrests, and a non-functional CCTV system. There is no statutory right of appeal against the imposition of interim steps, though the applicant can make representations for a hearing within 48 hours of the decision.

The meeting was attended by Panel Members Councillor Raja Anwar, Councillor Nick Halebi, and Councillor Richard Sweden, who was appointed Chair. Officers from Legal Services and Licensing were also present, along with representatives from the Metropolitan Police. The meeting concluded at 3.10 pm.