The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met to review the premises licence for Berwick Manor Hotel. The committee decided to impose a condition prohibiting any regulated entertainment from taking place externally or in open areas of the premises and to remove the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

Review of Premises Licence for Berwick Manor Hotel

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application to review the premises licence for the Berwick Manor Hotel in Rainham. The review was initiated by Mr George Pater, a Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, citing concerns over public nuisance.

The hearing, originally scheduled for 15 July 2026, was adjourned to allow the premises' legal representative to attend. Residents, Natalie Crisp and James Eaton, presented compelling evidence detailing years of disturbance caused by events at the hotel. Their testimonies highlighted issues including excessive noise, intrusive bass music, verbal abuse from attendees, dangerous parking, traffic congestion, and anti-social behaviour. Mr Eaton, who has a background in live events and sound engineering, expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the venue's noise limiting equipment.

The Public Protection Officer, Mr Paul Jones, presented a report detailing a history of complaints dating back to 2021. He noted that despite various interventions, including the implementation of noise management plans and the service of a noise abatement notice in September 2025, complaints persisted. Officers had witnessed amplified music being clearly audible in residential areas on multiple occasions throughout 2026.

Oisin Daly, representing the Licensing Authority, supported the review, echoing concerns about public nuisance and highlighting issues with externally promoted events and potential anti-social behaviour. He noted that drug paraphernalia had been found in the venue's parking area.

The committee considered the evidence presented and, mindful of the need to promote the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance, decided to impose a new condition. This condition prohibits any regulated entertainment from taking place externally or in open areas of the premises. Furthermore, the Designated Premises Supervisor, Mr Pareshkumar Arvindbhai Patel, was removed from the licence. The committee cited his failure to adequately address noise issues, lack of engagement with responsible authorities, and his absence from the hearing as reasons for this decision. The removal of the DPS means the premises will be unable to sell alcohol until a new supervisor of an acceptable standard is appointed.

The full reasons for the decision will be detailed in a written notice, and parties have the right to appeal to the Magistrate's Court within 21 days of notification.