Councillor David Gardner, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, opened the meeting to discuss applications for premises licences for Jincheng Alley Ltd and Rhubarb Cafe. Councillors Odette McGahey and Jahdia Spencer were also present. The sub-committee heard objections from local residents for both applications, and ultimately deferred their decisions to a later date.

Jincheng Alley Ltd, 92 Woolwich High Street

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Jincheng Alley Ltd, a Chinese restaurant specialising in Sichuan cuisine, located at 92 Woolwich High Street, Woolwich. The application sought permission for on and off-sales of alcohol and the playing of recorded music daily between 09:00 and 22:00, with a seasonal variation for New Year's Eve.

Steve Clark, the licensing officer, presented a summary of the report, noting that the application was for a glass-fronted shell on the ground floor of a residential block called Forbes Apartments, part of the Woolwich Royal Arsenal development. He also noted that the premises sits on the outermost northern edge of the Woolwich Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The police had agreed to a number of conditions, including those relating to CCTV.

Marcus Lavelle, representing the applicant, argued that the restaurant was on the edge of the CIZ and would provide a food-led option in the evenings, drawing people away from the centre of the CIZ. He stated that alcohol sales would be ancillary to food, with an expected 20% of customers ordering an alcoholic beverage with their meal. He also highlighted the dispersal and external management plan and staff code of conduct included in the application.

Several local residents raised objections to the application, citing concerns about public nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

Baoqi Zhu raised concerns about delivery traffic, the ventilation system, and the restaurant's food hygiene rating. Laura Mason highlighted the lack of a plan to manage takeaway drivers, the potential fire safety risk of the air filtration system, and the risk of increased street drinking. Pamela Chohan referenced case law relating to disturbance to residents from late-night takeaways and raised concerns about cooking odours. Terence Lau expressed worries about delivery drivers and rubbish outside the restaurant, while Tsai Wong highlighted the small area outside the restaurant and the potential dangers to residents. Madeline Frygang added concerns about access to the parking garage being blocked by delivery drivers and the increased fire hazard.

In response, Mr. Lavelle stated that the issues raised were not relevant to the licensing objectives and that the air filtration system was suitable for the restaurant's cooking methods. He also noted that conditions were in place to restrict alcohol sales and manage waste. He offered to create a plan to manage delivery drivers.

The sub-committee decided to defer their decision on the application, pending further consideration of the issues raised.

Rhubarb Cafe, 5 Springham Walk, Greenwich

The sub-committee then considered an application for a new premises licence for Rhubarb Cafe, located at 5 Springham Walk, Greenwich. The application sought permission for on-sales of alcohol daily between 11:00 and 22:30.

Steve Cox, the licensing officer, presented a summary of the report, noting that the premises was situated at the base of a residential block in the River Gardens area of East Greenwich. He also noted that the applicant had agreed to reduce the proposed licensed hours and offered conditions aimed at CCTV.

Mr Carter, representing the applicant, explained that Rhubarb Cafe would be an upmarket establishment serving Kurdish cuisine, with alcohol consumed as ancillary to a table meal. He stated that the applicant had several years of experience running licensed premises and was committed to promoting the licensing objectives. He addressed concerns raised by residents, including noise pollution and litter, and highlighted the conditions agreed with the police.

Two local residents raised objections to the application. Taskin Tas expressed concerns about noise nuisance and requested earlier closing hours. Katalin Horváth raised concerns about the late opening hours, the proximity to children's play areas, and the potential for increased nuisances from delivery drivers.

In response, Mr. Carter noted that the River Gardens Cafe was licensed until 22:00 and that the playground area closed in the evening. He assured the sub-committee that staff would reiterate the message to customers to be quiet and that the premises would adhere to the ancillary to food condition.

The sub-committee decided to defer their decision on the application, pending further consideration of the issues raised.