The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council granted a new premises licence for The Crystxl Lounge Ltd, located at 339 Barking Road, East Ham. The decision followed a hearing where representations were considered from various council teams, including Environmental Health, Licensing, and Trading Standards.

The Crystxl Lounge Ltd, 339 Barking Road, East Ham

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for The Crystxl Lounge Ltd, located at 339 Barking Road, East Ham, London E6 1LA. The application sought permission for the supply of alcohol, exhibition of films, live music, and recorded music, with proposed opening hours from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday, and 9:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays.

Representations were received from the Council Commercial Environmental Team, raising concerns about potential public nuisance from amplified music and film sound. They proposed conditions that all recorded and live music should be background music only, and films should be shown silently using wireless headphones.

The Council Licensing Team also made representations, expressing concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, disruption for crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Specific concerns included the lack of detailed alcohol control measures, potential access to barber equipment at the premises' entrance, and insufficient safeguarding training for events involving children.

The Council Trading Standards Team raised concerns about the protection of children from harm, specifically regarding the definition of a child, appropriate events for children, the possibility of proxy alcohol sales, and the need for clarity on staff functions related to alcohol sales. They also questioned the use of private screenings for films and the potential lack of BBFC certification.

In response, Shereen-Crystal Emmanuel, Director of The Crystxl Lounge Ltd, provided detailed explanations and a Safeguarding & Customer Safety Policy. She clarified that the venue is intended as a small, pre-booked events space for activities like sip and paint sessions, creative workshops, and private parties, not a nightclub. Ms. Emmanuel proposed alternative measures to address concerns, including managing music and film audio levels carefully, undertaking regular noise checks, and being open to purchasing a sound level meter. She also committed to staff training on alcohol sales, safeguarding, and maintaining refusal and incident logs. Regarding film screenings, she clarified that private screenings refer to pre-booked events and not an attempt to circumvent classification requirements, and that BBFC classifications would be observed.

After deliberation, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the new premises licence. Conditions were attached to the licence, including those proposed by the applicant and additional conditions related to staff training, record-keeping, CCTV operation, and the responsible sale of alcohol, as discussed with the Licensing Team and Trading Standards. These conditions aimed to address the concerns raised by the responsible authorities and ensure the promotion of the four licensing objectives.