Agenda and minutes

Ms Rachel Taylor, Licensing Officer, introduced a report relating to an application for a premises licence in respect of H&Q Café Shop, 242 Bennetts Castle Lane, Dagenham, made by Mr Bekim Hyseni, the owner and Designated Premises Supervisor. 

The application sought consent for the supply of on-site alcohol from 10.00am to 11.00pm, the provision of late-night refreshments from 11.00pm to midnight and opening hours of the premises between 6.00am and midnight, seven days a week.  The plan of the premises showed an indicative layout providing for 36 covers comprising 6 internal seats, 22 in the rear garden and 8 on the pavement area at the front of the premises.  The application was before the Sub-Committee as valid representations had been received from the Licensing Authority Responsible Officer and the three Becontree ward councillors, covering the three licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.

It was noted that stemming from a conciliation meeting between the applicant’s agent and the Licensing Authority Responsible Officer, a number of potential amendments to the application had been proposed.  The potential amendments were to reduce the opening hours to 11.30pm, alcohol sales to 11.00pm, the end of use of the tables and seating at the front of the premises at 9.00pm and the end of use of the rear garden area at 10.00pm.  The potential amendments were not, however, considered sufficient by the Becontree ward councillors to overcome all of their concerns and withdraw their representation and, in view of that, the applicant had withdrawn the potential amendments and wished for the application to be considered as submitted.

The Becontree ward councillors, Councillors Fergus, Saleem and Carpenter, spoke in turn on their concerns regarding the application.  They explained that they were very supportive of new businesses wishing to establish themselves in Becontree ward and looked forward to visiting Mr Hyseni’s premises in the future, however they had to balance that aspect and the benefits to the local economy against any potential negative impacts that may arise.  A key concern was the proposed midnight opening hours of the premises, as they felt that there could be an increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance and a risk to public safety from increased road traffic, as the venue would be open later than any other licensed premises in the area.  It was also pointed out that in addition to being in a predominantly residential area that included sheltered accommodation, the premises was within 150-200 yards of Bennetts Castle Care Home and the rear garden area ran adjacent to the access road to the care home, which meant that any noise emanating from the use of the rear garden at the premises would very likely extend to the care home.  As there were many elderly and vulnerable residents living in very close proximity, the ward councillors were of the opinion that the application, as it stood, could have a detrimental impact on local residents’ quality of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.