The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for The Triangle, located at 290 North Street, Romford, RM5 3AB. The meeting will also include a report from the Clerk regarding the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003.

Application for a Premises Licence: The Triangle

The primary focus of the meeting is an application for a premises licence for The Triangle, located at 290 North Street, Romford, RM5 3AB. The application, submitted by Mr Anam Hussain, seeks to permit the provision of live music, recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. The proposed hours for these activities extend into the late evening and early morning on weekends and bank holidays.

The report pack details that the premises, described as a restaurant, is bordered on all sides by residential properties. This application follows the revocation of a previous premises licence for the venue in March 2026, following a review by the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Team. The applicant has stated that all alcohol stock has been removed and no licensable activities are currently taking place.

A significant number of representations have been received against this application, with thirty-two objections from residents and ward councillors, and two in support from individuals who declined to provide their addresses. No representations against the application were received from responsible authorities. The objections raise concerns across all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Residents have detailed issues including:

• Crime and Disorder: Reports of fighting, aggressive behaviour, shouting, swearing, cannabis smoking outside the premises, and large groups congregating. Concerns have also been raised about convoys of high-performance vehicles, engine revving, flares, and fireworks during large events. There are also concerns about drug-related activity and potential links to previous allegations of modern slavery and exploitation at the premises.
• Public Safety: Issues include parking congestion on surrounding residential streets, with vehicles obstructing pavements and driveways, potentially hindering access for emergency services. Concerns have also been raised about the use of rear external areas for entertainment, increased customer numbers, and the potential for inadequate sound insulation and ventilation, leading to smoke and fumes affecting neighbouring properties.
• Public Nuisance: Residents report loud amplified music escaping the premises, noise breakout from external areas, persistent shouting and disorder from customers congregating outside, and vehicle noise. Disturbances are reported to continue late into the night and early morning, impacting residents' sleep.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Concerns include children being woken by late-night noise and disorder, exposure to anti-social behaviour, fireworks, and cannabis smoking. There are also worries about the impact of late-night activity on families and the suitability of the environment for children.

The applicant, Mr Anam Hussain, has proposed a number of conditions to address these concerns, which have been agreed with the Licensing Authority. These include: alcohol to be sold only to seated customers for consumption with a meal, waiter/waitress service only, recorded music to be played indoors only with no external speakers, music to be maintained at a low volume, clear signage requesting customers to be mindful of neighbours, and a comprehensive Public Nuisance Policy to be agreed with the Licensing Authority. Crucially, if this policy is not agreed or complied with, licensable activities will not be permitted after 11:00 PM. Doors and windows will remain closed during regulated entertainment, and music volume will be actively monitored.

Procedure for Hearings under the Licensing Act 2003

The meeting will also include a report from the Clerk outlining the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003. This report details the steps involved in considering applications for premises licences, including the role of the Sub-Committee, legal advisor, and clerk, as well as the procedures for notification of attendance, representations, cross-examination, and determination of applications. It also covers provisions for adjournments, exclusion of persons from hearings, and the recording of proceedings.