The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee granted a premises licence in part for V's Burgers, 507 Hale End Road, Chingford, E4 9PT, with amended hours and additional conditions. The committee considered representations from local residents and the Metropolitan Police regarding public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Application for a Premises Licence: V's Burgers

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a premises licence for V's Burgers, located at 507 Hale End Road, Chingford, E4 9PT. The applicant, Mr Valer Maci, initially sought to operate with extended hours for the sale of alcohol, recorded music, and late-night refreshment until 2 am daily, with the premises open to the public until 2:30 am.

During the consultation period, eight representations were received from Other Persons ¹, primarily concerned with the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and crime and disorder. Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the applicant revised the proposed hours and introduced additional conditions.

The revised hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment were set from Sunday to Thursday between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm, and Friday to Saturday between 11:00 pm and 12:30 am. The premises' opening hours were adjusted to Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am, and Friday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 am.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Catherine Deakin, with Councillors Raja Anwar and Kastriot Berberi, heard representations from the applicant. Mr Maci stated that he had reduced the hours after discussions with the police and committed to promoting the licensing objectives, having operated for over three years without noise complaints. He emphasised his respect for the local community and neighbours, intending to display signs encouraging customers to be quiet. He also highlighted that V's Burgers is a fast-food restaurant serving food on trays, minimising disposable waste, and that cleanliness is a priority. The applicant mentioned installing double-glazed windows to reduce noise and playing music only for ambience. He also stated he would contact the police if issues arose regarding crime and disorder. For takeaway deliveries, a designated waiting area would be used, with drivers asked to remain quiet.

Mr Maci also explained his efforts to contact those who made representations, successfully reaching one individual via a local Facebook group, though without a response. He expressed a desire to contribute to the community, having grown up in Chingford, and was willing to join PubWatch.

The Sub-Committee noted that no representations were made by Responsible Authorities, ² and that the police are considered a primary source of advice on crime and disorder. While acknowledging the concerns of the Other Persons, the Sub-Committee observed the applicant's track record of no noise complaints, his willingness to work with the community, and his responsible business practices. They were satisfied that the applicant could run the business responsibly, train staff effectively, and collaborate with authorities and the community to uphold licensing objectives.

The Sub-Committee concluded that granting the application in part, with the reduced hours and the additional conditions outlined in Appendix C of the agenda pack, would be appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives. The decision was made in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Licensing Act 2003, with parties having the right to appeal to Thames Magistrates Court within twenty-one days of receiving the decision letter.