The Licensing Sub Committee of Watford Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a new premises licence application for Cheatmeals, a takeaway restaurant on Market Street, Watford. The application requested permission to provide late night refreshment between 23:00 and 03:00 daily. Objections from residents and a ward councillor were received, and the sub-committee was to consider these objections when determining whether to grant the licence.

Cheatmeals, 24 Market Street - New Premises Licence Application

The Licensing and Compliance Manager submitted a report regarding an application for a new premises licence for Cheatmeals, located at 24 Market Street, Watford.

The applicant, Tastie Buds Ltd, sought authorisation to provide late night refreshment between 23:00 and 03:00 daily. The report noted that following consultation, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford's Environmental Health Officer negotiated amendments to the hours and agreed on a set of conditions with the applicant. The agreed conditions included closing the premises to the public at 01:00 and operating delivery-only between 01:00 and 02:00.

The report stated that representations were received from residents and a ward councillor, raising concerns about:

• Noise and disturbance
• Loitering
• Potential for anti-social behaviour and drug activity
• Impact on families living nearby
• Waste management issues

The report stated that these objections related to the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

The sub-committee was asked to consider the application and determine whether to:

• Grant the application in full
• Grant the application with modified hours and/or additional conditions
• Refuse the application

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix 1: Location plan
• Appendix 2: Layout plan
• Appendix 3: Public Notice
• Appendix 4: Representations from residents and Councillor Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor of Watford
• Appendix 5: Draft Premises Licence with Conditions

Representations

Appendix 4 of the report pack contained the representations received regarding the application.

David Lynch raised concerns about noise, rubbish, and the impact on residents in nearby buildings and Holyrood Court. He stated that the current rubbish situation in the area was out of control and that the prospect of additional scooters racing away from the restaurant late at night was undesirable.

Amanda Conlon objected to the takeaway opening until 2am, citing concerns about amplified traffic noise, disruptive behaviour from people under the influence of alcohol, and the potential for the location to become a meeting place for criminals dealing drugs. She also complained that there were not enough street notices informing people of the application.

Ameera Down also objected to the extension of opening hours, raising similar concerns to Amanda Conlon regarding noise, anti-social behaviour, and drug abuse.

Judy Gilbert objected to the takeaway opening after 11pm, citing concerns about nighttime traffic noise, disruptive behaviour, and the potential for the location to become a meeting place for criminals dealing drugs.

John Cooley, a resident of Roof Gardens, objected to the extended hours due to existing problems with noise from intoxicated people congregating in the area.

Ruth Cohen and Laurence Cohen both objected to the takeaway opening until 2am, raising similar concerns to Amanda Conlon and Ameera Down.

Lynette Rowe objected to the extension, stating that there were already too many fast-food outlets in Watford and that the council should promote healthy eating instead.

Councillor Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor of Watford, stated that she was not happy to extend the opening time until 3:00am and asked for the reasoning behind the request.

Thusara Ashen objected to the proposed extension, citing concerns about noise and disruption, late-night traffic noise, disturbance from customers congregating outside, and anti-social behaviour risks.

Robin Clark, Fire Safety Inspector for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, stated that they had no objections to the application and reminded the responsible person that they must carry out a fire risk assessment.

Hardesh Bhatti, Senior Environmental Health Officer, initially made a representation on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance, but withdrew it after the applicant agreed to certain conditions. These conditions included installing an approved extraction system, restricting rubbish disposal and deliveries during certain hours, and ensuring windows and doors are closed at 23:00. The applicant also agreed to additional licence conditions, such as requesting delivery drivers to wait inside the shop, reducing extractor fan speed after 11 pm, and patrolling the outside area to prevent noise disturbance.

Draft Premises Licence Conditions

Appendix 5 contained the draft premises licence with conditions agreed with Hertfordshire Constabulary. These included:

• Installation and maintenance of a CCTV system
• A staff member fully conversant with the CCTV system to be on the premises at all times
• A sign notifying customers of 'last orders for late night refreshment 15 minutes before closing time'
• No alcohol to be sold at the premises
• Notices displayed at doors requesting delivery drivers to be considerate to neighbours
• An incident log to be kept at the premises
• All windows and doors to be closed from 22:00
• Children unaccompanied by an adult not permitted between 22:00 and close
• Active cooperation with the police at all times
• The premises to be closed to the public after 01:00, operating only as an online delivery service until close
• For non-standard timings, one SIA¹ door supervisor to be on duty from 22:00 until close
• Online orders to be delivered by a delivery driver and not collected by customers after 01:00
• Delivery drivers to be considerate to neighbours
• Delivery vehicle horns not to be used during the provision of late-night refreshment
• Delivery vehicles to switch off their engines whilst stationery
• Music not to be played at the premises