The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday, 5 February 2026. The primary item on the agenda was an application for a premises licence for Budgens, located at Unit E2, 1 Coronation Square, E10 5UN.

Application for a Premises Licence: Budgens, Unit E2, 1 Coronation Square, E10 5UN

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Budgens, Unit E2, 1 Coronation Square, Leyton, London E10 5UN. The application, submitted by Marine Blue Estates Ltd, sought permission for the off-sale of alcohol with proposed opening hours from 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

During the consultation period, one representation was received from a local resident, Wai Yin Chan, who lives at Glyn Court, Coronation Square. This representation raised concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Specifically, the representation highlighted concerns that the proposed late-night off-sales of alcohol could lead to increased street drinking, anti-social behaviour, noise, littering, and potential exposure of children to alcohol-related nuisance. The representation also noted the cumulative impact of existing licensed premises in the area.

In response to these concerns, the applicant's agent, Nick Semper of TL Guys Ltd, communicated a revised proposal. This revision suggested aligning the proposed operating hours with existing planning conditions, which would mean revising the sale of alcohol hours to 07:00 to 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. This adjustment was intended to address the concerns raised regarding late-night opening and to maintain alignment between the licensing and planning regimes.

The report pack outlined the procedure for hearings at the Licensing Sub-Committee, which involves presentations from the licensing officer, the applicant, responsible authorities, and other parties, followed by questions and summations before the committee retires to make a decision.

The Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application and decide whether to grant it in full, grant it in part, or refuse it. The report also detailed the mandatory conditions applicable to all premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003, covering aspects such as the supply of alcohol, exhibition of films, door supervision, age verification policies, permitted pricing, irresponsible drinks promotions, and alcoholic drink measures.

The report also included background information on the applicant, Marine Blue Estates Ltd, and the Budgens brand, highlighting their experience in retail, commitment to responsible alcohol retailing, and adherence to industry standards such as the Challenge 25 scheme and the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) guidance. The applicant's agent provided details on the proposed investment, employment opportunities, and the brand's reputation.

The report also referenced the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which emphasises promoting the four licensing objectives and tailoring conditions to individual premises. It also outlined the Council's public sector equality duty under the Equalities Act 2010.

The report pack also contained appendices detailing the application form, premises plan, newspaper notice, representations from other persons, correspondence between the applicant and the representor, and a map of the premises location. Additionally, extensive guidance documents from the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) were included, covering various aspects of responsible alcohol retailing, including age-restricted sales, pricing, promotions, the in-store environment, home delivery, tackling illicit trade, and local engagement. These documents provided detailed information on legal obligations, best practices, and industry standards.