The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council is scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for KFC at 687 High Road, Seven Kings, Ilford. The committee will also discuss the procedure for licensing hearings.

Application to Vary KFC Premises Licence

The main focus of the meeting is expected to be the application from GR Food Ltd, the premises licence holder for KFC at 687 High Road, Seven Kings, Ilford, IG3 8RQ, to extend its operating hours. Currently, the premises is licensed for late-night refreshment until 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday and 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed variation seeks to extend these hours to 5:00 AM daily, with the restaurant closing to dine-in and takeaway customers at 2:00 AM, and only delivery services operating until 5:00 AM.

The report pack indicates that representations have been received from two responsible authorities: the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team and the Metropolitan Police. Both have raised concerns that the proposed extension could undermine the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance.

The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Ellis Grote, have stated that extending the hours to 5:00 AM would mean the premises operates during periods when crime and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent. They are concerned about increased congregations of people, potential disputes among delivery drivers, and a lack of sufficient evidence from the applicant to mitigate these risks. The police are requesting that the application be refused.

Similarly, the Licensing Enforcement Team, represented by Priya Cheema, has expressed serious concerns. They highlight the premises' location on a main road with residential properties above and nearby, as well as its proximity to McCafferty's Public House and Seven Kings Train Station. The team believes that the extended hours would attract intoxicated individuals, leading to noise nuisance and potential violent crime. They also anticipate noise from delivery drivers and vehicles, impacting residents who expect peace during the early morning hours. The team feels the applicant has not adequately demonstrated how these issues would be mitigated and recommends the application be refused.

The committee will consider the options available under section 35 of the Licensing Act 2003, which include granting the application in whole or in part, with or without modifications to the conditions, or rejecting it entirely. The decision will be made after considering the application, the report, any statutory guidance, the Council's licensing policy, and any oral representations made at the meeting.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The committee is also scheduled to review the Procedure for Licensing Hearings. This document outlines the steps the Sub-Committee will follow when conducting hearings, including how the Chair will explain the procedure, how an officer will present a factual summary, and the order in which the applicant's case, responsible authorities' cases, and summing up will be heard. The committee will then deliberate in private before issuing an official notice of its decision.

The members of the Licensing Sub-Committee attending this meeting are Councillor Muhammad Touseef Afzal, Councillor Muhammed Javed, and Councillor Martin Sachs. Leontia Brewer is listed as the Democratic Services Officer.