The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council met on 07 January 2025 to consider a new premises licence application for Dessertz, located at 344c Romford Road, Forest Gate. The committee granted the licence with modified operating hours and additional conditions.

New Premises Licence Application for Dessertz, 344c Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 8BS

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Dessertz, a dessert shop located at 344c Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 8BS. Representations against the application were received from the Council's Licensing Team, the Council's Environmental Health Team, and five local residents. These representations cited concerns related to crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety.

The premises is situated within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)¹ , meaning there is a presumption to refuse applications unless the applicant can demonstrate no negative impact on licensing objectives.

The applicant, Dessertz Ltd, had previously received a warning letter from the Licensing Enforcement Team for operating without a licence. The applicant responded by denying the sale of hot food after 11 pm, but evidence from delivery platforms and their website indicated otherwise. The applicant had also applied for Temporary Event Notices (TENs)².

During the hearing, the applicant, represented by Abdul Rahman, the company director, explained that he had only taken over the premises in July 2024 and that any prior complaints were against the previous owner. He stated that he had engaged with some residents and offered further conditions to address their concerns, including reducing weekday operating hours. The applicant also proposed specific conditions regarding CCTV, signage, and last orders, which were detailed in Appendix F of the agenda pack. He assured the committee that measures were in place to manage delivery drivers, minimise noise, and prevent loitering, and that staff had access to toilet facilities.

The Responsible Authorities, the Licensing Team and Environmental Health Team, stated that the proposed conditions alleviated their concerns but remained mindful of the premises' residential location. Environmental Health noted that visits to the premises had not revealed statutory nuisances.

The Sub-Committee noted that the residents who had made representations did not attend the hearing, which was considered regrettable as it prevented them from elaborating on their concerns or responding to the applicant's claim that some residents had withdrawn their representations.

After considering all submissions, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence. The operating hours were set as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 23:00 to 02:00
• Friday to Saturday: 23:00 to 04:00
• Sunday: 23:00 to 03:00

Additional conditions were imposed regarding CCTV, signage, and last orders, which will be detailed in the decision letter. The applicant was also required to reduce licensable hours on weekdays to protect residents from noise nuisance during sensitive hours.

The full written decision, including reasons, will be sent to the applicant within five working days. Parties involved have the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.