The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Monday 21 September 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Hot Birdies in Woodford Green. The meeting's agenda included the procedure for licensing hearings and the specific application for the premises licence.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Hot Birdies

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a new premises licence for Hot Birdies, located at 194 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 9EF. The applicant, Mahir Al-Rubaiee, director of Hot Birds Catering Ltd, sought to offer late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 02:00 daily, with the premises open to the public from 11:30 to 02:00. The establishment is described as a fast-food restaurant providing hot food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on and off the premises.

The application detailed proposed conditions to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

However, the application had attracted significant attention, with one objection lodged by the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team and seventy-four objections from interested parties. The Licensing Enforcement Team raised concerns that the proposed measures were generic and did not sufficiently address the risks associated with the requested late hours, nor the premises' previous compliance history. Specifically, concerns were raised about the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.

The report pack highlighted that the Licensing Authority had previously issued formal warning notices to the premises for unauthorised late-night trading. Furthermore, numerous complaints from local residents and ward councillors had been received regarding customer noise, congregating in vehicles, litter, and parking issues. These complaints suggested that the premises had already impacted neighbouring occupiers.

The report pack outlined the legal framework under the Licensing Act 2003, including the statutory guidance issued by the Home Office and the Council's own Statement of Licensing Policy. It also detailed the fairness implications, including the Council's duties under the Equality Act 2010.

The report recommended that the Licensing Sub-Committee consider whether to grant the application, grant it with additional conditions, grant it in part, or reject it entirely.

The meeting also included a section on the Procedure for Licensing Hearings, which outlined the steps the Sub-Committee would follow in considering the application, including the order of evidence presentation and the process for decision-making.

The full details of the application and the representations made can be found in the Public reports pack. The agenda for the meeting is available here.