The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to consider an application to review the premises licence for the Berwick Manor Hotel. The meeting will also cover the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003.

Review of Berwick Manor Hotel Premises Licence

The primary focus of the meeting is expected to be an application to review the premises licence for the Berwick Manor Hotel, located at Berwick Pond Road, Rainham RM13 9EL. This review has been initiated by Mr George Pater, a Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The application for review is reportedly based on allegations of a breach of a noise abatement notice, previously served under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It is also alleged that public nuisance has been witnessed by officers from Havering's Environmental Health team. The review application contends that complaints regarding noise emanating from the Berwick Manor Hotel have been received since 2021, with council officers making multiple visits to the premises and surrounding areas during this period.

The report pack indicates that there have been representations supporting this application from both residents and a responsible authority, namely Havering's Licensing Authority. One resident's representation includes a video supporting their claims.

The Berwick Manor Hotel's current premises licence permits a range of licensable activities, including films, live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol, with varying hours for residents and non-residents, as well as for external areas.

The documentation suggests that the review application is seeking to implement additional conditions on the premises licence, pursuant to Section 177A of the Licensing Act 2003. These conditions would aim to control noise arising from amplified music. The Environmental Health Public Protection team has expressed the view that the Public Nuisance licensing objective is being undermined and that they do not have faith that the licence holder is committed to prevention as complaints continue to be received dating back as far as 2021, despite extensive liaison with the venue. The proposed conditions include a request that No regulated entertainment shall take place externally.

The Licensing Authority's representation also supports the review, echoing concerns that externally held events are undermining the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. They note that externally held events are generating excessive noise, resulting in a persistent and unacceptable nuisance to local residents. The Authority highlights ongoing engagement with the premises over six years, with a significant proportion focusing on issues from external events. They also mention reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity linked to events, and concerns about drug paraphernalia being found in the parking area.

Representations from interested parties, such as Mrs Natalie Crisp and Mr James Eaton, detail significant concerns regarding excessive noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, public safety, traffic issues, and suspected criminal activity associated with events at the venue. These residents report experiencing loud music, bass vibrations, persistent swearing, and attendees urinating or defecating in local streets and gardens. They also describe intimidating behaviour, strobe lights, and traffic congestion caused by poorly parked vehicles and unauthorized road closures.

Procedure for Hearings under the Licensing Act 2003

The meeting will also note the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003. This report outlines the arrangements for hearings, including the membership of sub-committees, the roles of legal advisors and clerks, and the protocol for members of the public wishing to report on meetings. It details the procedure for introducing applications, submitting documentary evidence, making representations, and the process of cross-examination. The report also covers the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The attendees for this meeting are Councillor Christine Vickery (Chairman), Councillor Kevin Ayres, and Councillor Geoff Starns.