The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council considered an application for a premises licence for Black Loom, a lounge-style bistro at 51 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch. Following a hearing where residents raised concerns about noise, public nuisance, and potential crime and disorder, and the applicant presented mitigating conditions and assurances, the sub-committee deliberated and decided to grant the application as applied for, subject to agreed conditions.

Application for a Premises Licence for Black Loom

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence for Black Loom, located at 51 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch. The premises, intended to operate as a lounge-style bistro with a seated café layout, applied for permission to serve alcohol from 11 am to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11 am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Late-night refreshment was requested for Fridays and Saturdays between 11 pm and midnight. The premises also sought to be open to the public from 8 am to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 8 am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application had received three representations from local residents, raising concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, protection of children from harm, and public safety. No representations were received from responsible authorities.

Arguments from Objectors:

• Kilvir Bahra, residing at 2 Walden Road, Hornchurch, expressed concerns about increased noise levels from patrons entering and leaving late at night, and the potential for cars to be parked in adjacent roads, particularly Walden Road, which is already congested. Mr. Bahra stated that extended opening hours and an alcohol licence were not appropriate for a residential area, and that the potential for anti-social behaviour and crime would likely increase. He also raised concerns about noise impacting sleep patterns and the potential for passive smoking affecting children playing in the garden, which backs onto the premises' rear yard.
• Mary Arthur, residing at 9 Walden Road, Hornchurch, echoed concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. She highlighted that there were already four licensed premises within a few hundred yards and that further licensed premises would attract more late-night revellers, especially given the proposed later opening hours. Ms. Arthur questioned the toilet facilities, given the premises was previously a florist, and expressed concern about people urinating on the street. She also noted that two existing licensed premises in the area had previously been closed due to incidents, and feared a similar risk.
• Mrs Margaret Morley, from 4 Ridgemont Place, Emerson Park, Hornchurch, submitted a representation focusing on the prevention of public nuisance. She highlighted that Ridgemont Place, comprising 30 apartments, is directly opposite the premises and predominantly occupied by elderly residents who expect the area to become quieter in the evening. Mrs. Morley argued that selling alcohol until midnight, coupled with late-night refreshment, would lead to foreseeable disturbance from customers congregating outside, raised voices, smoking, waiting for taxis, and vehicle noise. She also pointed to limited parking in the vicinity, which could exacerbate vehicle-related disturbance. Mrs. Morley referenced a previous Havering Licensing Sub-Committee decision concerning Ilirida Café, where later hours were refused due to proximity to residential properties, despite fewer objections.

Applicant's Response and Proposed Conditions:

Mr. Tasawar Ameen, the applicant, and his advisor, Mr. Beiza Tzivelek, addressed the concerns raised. Mr. Ameen stated that Black Loom was intended to be a lounge-style bistro with a seated café layout, not a nightclub. He emphasised that alcohol would only be sold ancillary to a meal, with no vertical drinking, and all consumption would be seated, served by waiter or waitress.

The applicant had agreed to a comprehensive set of conditions with responsible authorities, including:

• Installation and maintenance of a comprehensive digital colour CCTV system.
• An incident and refusal log to be kept and made available to the police.
• Prominent signage at exits requesting customers to leave quietly.
• A Challenge 25 age verification policy.
• A log of refused alcohol sales for age-related reasons.
• A record of authorised staff selling alcohol, with documented training on age-restricted sales.
• Children under 18 not allowed on the premises after 9 pm unless accompanied by an adult.
• Noise nuisance mitigation measures, including minimising bin movements after 11 pm and ensuring deliveries are carried out to prevent disturbance.
• Windows and doors to be closed after 9 pm, except for access and egress, to reduce public nuisance.

Furthermore, Mr. Ameen offered additional safeguards in response to resident concerns, including a formal customer dispersal and neighbourhood management policy. He proposed restricting customer use of the rear area after 9 pm, with no drinking or music, and offered to provide a direct management telephone number to neighbouring residents for immediate resolution of concerns.

Regarding the food offering, Mr. Ameen clarified that the cuisine would be Turkish fusion, with a focus on flavour and spice, and that detailed allergy information would be available. He also confirmed that there was a toilet facility within the premises.

Decision:

Following deliberation, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the application as applied for. The committee considered all representations made, both written and oral, and determined that the application should be granted with the conditions agreed upon.

Any party who made a relevant representation has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notification of the decision.