The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council met on Thursday 18 September 2025 to consider a variation to the premises licence for 255 Plaistow Road, London E15 3EU. The committee decided to modify the licence to extend the licensable hours from 7am to 1am, seven days a week, while keeping existing conditions regarding the sale of single cans and bottle sizes for spirits unchanged.

Variation to Premises Licence for 255 Plaistow Road

The subcommittee considered an application from UZKAR LIMITED to vary the premises licence for 255 Plaistow Road, London E15 3EU. The proposed variations included extending the hours of alcohol sale to 7am until midnight, seven days a week, removing the condition that no single cans or bottles of beer, lager, stout, or cider shall be sold, and amending the condition that no spirits shall be sold in bottles of less than 35cl to no less than 20cl.

The case officer, Shane Passfield, presented the report, outlining the application and any valid representations received. He noted that the premises had previously held a licence since 2021, with current alcohol sales permitted from 8am to 11pm daily. A warning letter had been issued on 2nd July 2025 for the sale of alcohol after permitted hours.

Two representations were received from local residents, both objecting to the proposed extension of hours, with one specifically mentioning concerns about noise and disruption until 1:30 AM. However, neither resident attended the meeting.

Kamal Oskar, the licence holder, represented by his daughter Fatima Oskar, explained that the business, a family-run grocery store, had been struggling financially. He stated that the requested extra hours were crucial for the business's survival and to remain competitive. He clarified that the application was not for a 24-hour licence, as mistakenly understood by some residents, but for an extension of two hours daily. Mr. Oskar also addressed the previous breach, explaining it was an isolated incident due to a temporary lapse in supervision. He emphasised that the family lives above the shop and is committed to preventing public nuisance and disorder.

The subcommittee, chaired by Councillor Tonii Wilson, heard arguments from both the case officer and the applicant. Councillor Jane Lofthouse and Councillor Pushpa Dipaklal Makwana also asked questions regarding staffing, training, and the impact of the proposed changes on the local area.

After deliberation, the subcommittee decided to grant the variation, extending the licensable hours to 7am to 1am, seven days a week. However, conditions 24 (no single cans or bottles of beer, lager, stout or cider) and 25 (minimum spirit bottle size of 35cl) of the existing licence were to remain unchanged. A decision letter with reasons will be sent to the applicant within five working days. Parties involved have the right to appeal the decision to the magistrates' court within 21 days.