The Licensing Sub-Committee of Enfield Council was scheduled to consider two applications for the review of premises licences. The first concerned Mezopoly, a restaurant in Palmers Green, and the second related to Ordnance Supermarket, an off-licence in Enfield Lock.

Mezopoly, 366 Green Lanes, London, N13 5PE

The committee was scheduled to discuss a review application for the premises licence of Mezopoly. The application was made by Enfield Council's Licensing Authority due to concerns that the provision of music was undermining the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. The report pack detailed numerous complaints from local residents regarding loud music and breaches of licensing hours. It was noted that a noise abatement notice had been served due to a statutory noise nuisance witnessed by Council Noise Officers. The review sought to remove all regulated entertainment from the licence and prevent music from being played at any time other than background level.

The report pack included a written representation from Stella Avraam, one of the joint premises licence holders and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). Ms Avraam acknowledged an incident on New Year's Eve where music played beyond permitted hours and stated that steps had been taken to address this, including replacing a performer and upgrading the speaker system. She also detailed improvements to CCTV provision following a previous disturbance. Letters of support from local residents and customers were also included.

The report also detailed the licensing history of Mezopoly, including previous applications and variations to its licence. It outlined the current licensable activities and proposed changes, which included the removal of live and recorded music as licensable activities. The report referenced relevant law, guidance, and policies, including sections of the Licensing Act 2003 and guidance from the Secretary of State.

Additional information provided by the Licensing Authority since the initial review application detailed further concerns, including the non-display of a blue notice, insufficient CCTV coverage, and inadequate staff training records. It was also noted that a formal transfer application to remove Sophia Kosidou as a premises licence holder had not been received.

Ordnance Supermarket, 115 Ordnance Road, Enfield, EN3 6AF

The committee was also scheduled to consider a review application for the premises licence of Ordnance Supermarket. This review was initiated by Enfield Council's Licensing Authority due to the discovery of illicit tobacco products, disposable vapes, and a quantity of amoxicillin at the premises. The review sought to revoke the premises licence in its entirety.

The report detailed the licensing history of Ordnance Supermarket, including previous reviews and revocations related to the sale of illicit goods. It was noted that a transfer of the premises licence had occurred during the review process, with Huseyin Yildirim becoming the new premises licence holder. However, it was highlighted that a transfer of licence does not invalidate a review application.

Representations from the Metropolitan Police supported the revocation of the licence, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The Police representation noted a history of breaches and a lack of confidence in the current management's ability to uphold licensing objectives.

The report also included additional information from the Licensing Authority, detailing an inspection where Mr Ibrahim Korkmaz, an individual expressly prohibited from involvement in the business under condition 18 of the premises licence, was found to be working at the premises and serving alcohol. This was contrary to CCTV evidence and his own initial claims. Concerns were also raised regarding the adequacy of staff training records.

The report referenced relevant law, guidance, and policies, including sections of the Licensing Act 2003 and the London Borough of Enfield's Licensing Policy Statement. The report concluded that the Licensing Authority had no confidence in the current premises licence holder, Mr Serdar Tas, or the former premises licence holder, Mr Mehmet Kolo, to uphold the licensing objectives.

A supplementary report noted that a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) variation application had been submitted by Huseyin Yildirim to appoint himself as the new DPS, removing Mr Serdar Tas. This application was undergoing statutory consultation and could not be determined at this hearing. Further additional information from the Licensing Authority detailed Mr Ibrahim Korkmaz's continued involvement in the business, including serving alcohol, which was in breach of licence condition 18. Concerns were also raised about the adequacy of staff training records.