The Havering Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss a temporary event notice (TEN) application for the Meteor Restaurant located at 216-218 Main Road, Romford, RM2 5HA. The application, submitted by Mr. Astrit Kurtaj, sought to extend the restaurant's licensing hours for a wedding celebration. However, objections were raised by both the police and Havering's Noise Team, leading to a hearing to consider the application.

Meteor Restaurant Temporary Event Notice

Mr. Astrit Kurtaj submitted a temporary event notice (TEN) to extend the Meteor Restaurant's licensing hours for a wedding celebration on Wednesday 20th August 2025. The application requested permission to supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment, and offer late-night refreshments between 19:00 and 04:00 the following morning. The Meteor Restaurant already possesses a premises licence allowing the supply of alcohol until 23:00 seven days a week.

Objections from Responsible Authorities

Both the police and Havering's Noise Team lodged objections to the TEN, citing concerns about the potential for crime, disorder, public nuisance, and risks to public safety due to the proposed 04:00 terminal hour.

Mr. George Charles Pater, Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, raised concerns about the potential for noise disturbance to nearby residential properties, including Gidea Lodge, an elderly persons' home located to the rear of the premises. He stated:

The proposed hours for the provision of amplified music, in the absence of a Noise Management Plan (NMP), present a high likelihood of causing a statutory nuisance. Additionally, there are no clear measures in place to mitigate noise impacts associated with patrons leaving the premises during the early morning hours.

PC Chris Stockman of the East Area Licensing Team, representing the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, expressed concerns that operating until 04:00 and supplying alcohol for nine hours could lead to increased intoxication, potentially resulting in disturbances, crime, and disorder. PC Stockman also highlighted the proximity of residential premises, including the retirement housing complex to the rear of the venue, stating that noise from the venue and departing guests at 04:00 would cause a public nuisance and impact residents' quality of life.

Licensing Act 2003 Considerations

The sub-committee was reminded of its powers under the Licensing Act 2003, which allows them to modify the conditions of the licence or reject the whole or part of the application if relevant representations are made. The Clerk's Report outlined the procedure for the hearing, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

The report also clarified that the sub-committee must consider the application with regard to the four licensing objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm