The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council decided to impose a condition prohibiting any licensable activities in the external areas of Berwick Manor Hotel and to remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). These decisions were made following a review hearing concerning numerous complaints about noise and public nuisance emanating from the venue.

Review of Premises Licence for Berwick Manor Hotel

The Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the premises licence for Berwick Manor Hotel, located on Berwick Pond Road, Rainham. The review was initiated by an application from Mr George Pater, a Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, citing breaches of a noise abatement notice and public nuisance witnessed by Environmental Health officers.

Arguments Presented:

• Mr George Pater (Public Protection Officer): Presented a detailed account of ongoing noise complaints dating back to 2021. He highlighted failures to adhere to noise control measures, including the non-use of a calibrated noise limiter, and the subsequent service of a noise abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Mr Pater noted that despite these measures, amplified music remained audible in residential areas, causing material interference with the enjoyment of nearby properties. He also pointed out that speaker positions had been altered from those previously agreed, and that since the application for review, there had been no contact from the venue to negotiate conditions. Environmental Health concluded that the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective was being undermined.
• Mr Oisin Daly (Licensing Authority): Stated that the Licensing Authority supported the review due to concerns about the external area of the premises. He explained that while the authority wants businesses to succeed, this should not be to the detriment of local residents or the undermining of licensing objectives. Mr Daly proposed restricting live or recorded music from all external areas, either by amending the plans or adding a specific condition. He also informed the subcommittee that the premises licence holder had communicated that their tenure at Berwick Manor would terminate at the end of the month.
• Mr James Eaton (Local Resident): Described how noise from the venue had escalated since 2021, causing his house to vibrate and affecting his family's well-being. He recounted instances of abuse when attempting to speak with venue management and highlighted concerns about anti-social behaviour, including a Tesla found abandoned in a bush with promotional flyers for Berwick Manor. Mr Eaton also detailed issues with parking, road closures, and fireworks being set off, even during a local fire. He expressed frustration that despite his professional background in sound engineering, his concerns had not been adequately addressed.
• Ms Natalie Crisp (Local Resident): Emphasised that the issues were ongoing and occurred almost every weekend during the summer. She described hearing explicit language and music from her garden, and the impact on her children's sleep. Ms Crisp also detailed problems with attendees urinating in the street, drug paraphernalia being left in cars, and illegal road closures that prevented residents from accessing their properties. She noted that the noise had escalated since the noise abatement notice was served and expressed concern about the future if the venue changed hands.

Decision:

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to:

1. Impose a condition requested by the noise team, prohibiting any licensable activity in the external areas of the premises.
2. Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) from the premises licence. The subcommittee stated that the DPS had failed to adequately deal with noise issues, lacked engagement with responsible authorities, and did not attend the hearing.

The subcommittee explained that the removal of the DPS means the premises will not be allowed to sell alcohol until a DPS of an acceptable standard is found. This is because the DPS is the individual legally responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.

The full reasons for the decision will be detailed in the decision notice, and any party with a relevant representation has the right to appeal to the Magistrate's Court within 21 days of notification.

Background Information:

• Berwick Manor Hotel: Located on Berwick Pond Road, Rainham, with the closest residential properties approximately 350 metres away.
• Premises Licence Number: 27092.
• Licensing Act 2003: The review application was made under Section 51 of this Act.
• Environmental Protection Act 1990: The review was based on an alleged breach of a noise abatement notice served under Section 80 of this Act.
• Live Music Act: This legislation, along with subsequent amendments, allows for live or recorded music to be performed without a licence under certain conditions, such as audience size and time of day.
• Section 177A of the Licensing Act 2003: This section allows for the imposition of conditions on a premises licence to secure effective control of amplified music and prevent public nuisance.

The meeting was held on Thursday, 06 August 2026.