The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Wingstop, located at Unit 11A, The Brewery, Romford. The committee will also review the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003.

Wingstop Premises Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting is expected to be the application for a premises licence for Wingstop, Unit 11A, The Brewery, Romford, RM1 1AU, submitted by Lemon Pepper Holdings LTD. The application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol from 10:00 to 00:00 seven days a week, for both on and off-site consumption. Additionally, it requests permission for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00 Sunday to Thursday, and from 23:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises would be open to the public from 10:00 to 00:30 Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The report pack indicates that the applicant has noted the Romford Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and states that the application does not seek an increase in alcohol hours compared to the previous licence held by TGI Fridays at the same location. The only extension requested is for late-night refreshment. However, representations have been received from responsible authorities.

The London Borough of Havering Licensing Authority, represented by Paul Jones, has raised concerns that the requested hours extend beyond the council's licensing policy guidelines for restaurants and even nightclubs. The authority notes that the premises is located within a CIZ, and the extended hours, combined with the nature of the premises, could potentially lead to failures in promoting the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. The authority's policy creates a presumption against granting applications that add to existing cumulative impact unless the applicant can demonstrate that the operation will not adversely affect the licensing objectives.

Similarly, George Pater from the council's Public Protection Unit has submitted a representation focusing on the prevention of public nuisance. Mr. Pater believes the requested hours are not reasonable and do not align with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which suggests a terminal hour of 23:00 for restaurants on Sundays to Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. He argues that the application has not demonstrated sufficient evidence to support granting a licence beyond these recommended hours, particularly given the CIZ location and the potential for noise from customers, delivery drivers, and extraction systems.

The Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, represented by PC Owen Dunn, has also made a representation. While not raising major concerns, the police have requested an additional condition regarding the recording and accessibility of staff training records. This has been agreed upon by the applicant's representatives, Poppleston Allen solicitors.

The report pack also includes the procedure for hearings under the Licensing Act 2003, which outlines the steps the Sub-Committee will follow when considering applications, including the roles of participants, the presentation of evidence, and the determination process.

The Sub-Committee members for this meeting are Councillor Christine Vickery (Chairman), Councillor Kevin Ayres (Champion for Wildlife), and Councillor Petru Eugen Dinsorean.