The Licensing Sub-Committee hearing concerning the application for a premises licence for The Palms Hotel (Boka by Palms) was adjourned to allow members to conduct a site visit. The committee will reconvene on 10 February 2026 to hear representations.

Application for a Premises Licence - The Palms Hotel (Boka by Palms)

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a premises licence for The Palms Hotel, located at Southend Arterial Road, Hornchurch, RM11 3UJ. The application was made by Boka By Palms Ltd.

A key issue raised at the outset of the meeting was a discrepancy concerning the blue notice (public notice) and the actual hours applied for in the application. Specifically, there was confusion regarding the requested hours for late-night refreshment, with an apparent increase of one hour on Mondays to Wednesdays compared to what was advertised. Legal advice was sought on whether this discrepancy necessitated an adjournment to allow for a renewed consultation period, referencing the Matthew Taylor case.

The subcommittee members expressed a strong desire to conduct a site visit to better understand the premises' layout and operation, particularly given the complexity of the application and the relationship with the existing hotel licence. This was met with some resistance from the applicant's barrister, Sarah Clover, who highlighted the significant cost (£3,000) associated with a further adjournment and site visit, suggesting that the hearing should proceed to allow her to make submissions first.

However, the subcommittee ultimately decided that a site visit was in the public interest to ensure a fair hearing and to properly understand the application before hearing representations. They acknowledged the applicant's concerns about additional costs but deemed it imperative to have a clear understanding of the premises.

The hearing was adjourned to allow for a site visit, with the subcommittee aiming to reconvene on 10 February 2026. The exact date for the site visit was to be arranged.

The meeting was webcast, and the proceedings were chaired by Councillor Philippa Crowder. Other members of the subcommittee present were Councillor Brice Smith and Councillor Jane Keane. Representatives from the Licensing Authority, Environment and Health, and Public Protection were also in attendance.