The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for a premises licence for Popeyes, 259 High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7BH. The sub-committee decided to grant the application in part, with amended hours and additional conditions to address concerns about public nuisance and late-night disturbance. The restaurant will be allowed to offer late night refreshment (deliveries) from 23:00 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and the opening hours of the premises will be 07:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday, with the premises closed to the public from 23:00 each night.

Popeyes, 259 High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7BH - Grant of a Premises Licence

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Popeyes, 259 High Street, Walthamstow, London E17 7BH, under the Licensing Act 2003. The application sought to permit late night refreshment (indoors and outdoors) from 23:00 to 04:00 daily, and for the premises to be open to the public from 07:00 to 04:00 daily.

During the consultation period, the council received 53 representations, 52 from local residents and one from the council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team. Concerns raised in the representations included:

• Prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• Prevention of public nuisance
• Protection of children from harm

Following discussions with the police, the applicant agreed to amend the application, with the venue closing to the public from 23:00, operating delivery only through an external hatch from 23:00-02:00, and operating an Order Ready Process for all delivery collections.

Despite these proposed changes, many residents maintained their objections, arguing that the late hours would still cause significant disturbance and anti-social behaviour in the area.

The sub-committee decided to grant the application in part, with the following amended hours:

• Late Night Refreshment (deliveries): 23:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday
• Opening hours of the premises: 07:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday
  • The premises shall be closed to all members of the public from 23:00 hours.

The sub-committee also agreed to add the following additional conditions:

• Delivery drivers must be managed by staff to ensure that they do not cause a nuisance. Restaurant based members of staff shall perform regular checks at the boundary of the premises to ensure drivers are not disturbing the neighbours or causing a nuisance on the public highways.
• Requiring drivers/riders that are in the area but do not have an order to pick-up for delivery, to wait inside the premises or be sent away from residential premises.
• The Order Ready button will be used to prevent delivery drivers from congregating.
• Wherever possible, sustainable transport will be used by delivery drivers.
• Ensuring that drivers/riders dismount before stepping onto the pavement footpath, should they need to park their bike near the shop premises.

The decision notice stated that relevant parties have the right to appeal against the decision to Thames Magistrates Court, 58 Bow Road, London E3 4DJ, within twenty-one days of notification of the decision.

Procedure at Licensing Sub-Committee

The sub-committee noted the procedure to be followed for the hearing. This included introductions from committee members, officers, the applicant, responsible authorities, and other parties, a presentation of the report by the licensing officer, and an opportunity for all parties to present their case and ask questions.