Decision

Licensing Act 2003

Notice of Decision

PREMISES

Black Loom

51 Butts Green Road

Hornchurch

RM11 2JS

APPLICANT

Mr Tasawar Ameen

Details of the application

This application for a premises licence is made by Mr Tasawar Ameen under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003.  The application was received by Havering’s Licensing Authority on 19th August 2026.

Details of the application

The application is to permit the following licensable activities:

Late night refreshment

Friday and Saturday – 23:00 to 00:00

On-supplies of alcohol

Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 to 23:00

Friday and Saturday – 11:00 to 00:00

The premises seeks to be open to the public during the following hours:

Sunday to Thursday – 08:00 to 23:00

Friday and Saturday – 08:00 to 00:00

Comments and observations on the application

The applicant willingly engaged with the responsible authorities.  In response to contact with the Police and the Licensing Authority the applicant agreed to replace the proposals contained in section 18 of the application with those listed below:

•           Alcohol shall only be sold ancillary to a meal. There shall be no vertical drinking at the premises, and all consumption of alcohol must take place whilst customers remain seated.

•           Alcohol shall be sold to customers by waiter or waitress service only.

•           The premises shall install and maintain a comprehensive digital colour CCTV system. All public areas of the licensed premises, including all public entry and exit points and the street environment, will be covered enabling facial identification of every person entering in any light condition. The CCTV cameras shall continually record whilst the premises are open to the public and recordings shall be kept available for a minimum of 31 days with date and time stamping. A staff member who is conversant with the operation of the CCTV system shall be present on the premises at all times when they are open to the public. This staff member shall be able to show the Police or the Licensing Authority recordings of the previous two days immediately when requested.

•           An incident log shall be kept at the premises and made available on request to the Police or an authorised officer of the London Borough of Havering. The log shall record the following: 

o          All crimes reported to the venue 

o          All ejections of customers 

o          Any incidents of disorder (disturbance caused by either one person or a group of people). (There is no requirement to record the above incidents where they do not relate to a licensable activity). 

o          Seizures of drugs or offensive weapons 

o          Any faults in the CCTV system or searching equipment or scanning equipment 

o          Any refusal of the sale of alcohol during the hours the premises is licensed to sell it.

•           Prominent signage shall be displayed at all exits from the premises requesting that customers leave quietly.

•           A ‘Challenge 25 Scheme shall operate to ensure that any person attempting to purchase alcohol who appears to be under the age of 25 shall provide documented proof that he/she is over 18 years of age. Proof of age shall only comprise a passport, a photo card driving licence, an EU/EEA national ID card or similar document, or an industry approved proof of identity card. 

•           A log shall be kept at the premises and record all refused sales of alcohol for reasons that the person(s) is( are) .or appears to be , under 25 years of age. The log shall record the date and time of the refusal and the name of the member of staff who refused the sale. The log will be made available on request by the Police or an authorised officer of the London Borough of Havering. 

•           The licence holder shall keep a written record of all staff authorised to sell alcohol, the record to contain the full name, home address, date of birth and national insurance number of each person so authorised. The staff record must be kept on the licensed premises and made available for inspection by the Licensing Officer, Trading Standards or the Police. 

•           The licence holder must ensure that each member of staff authorised to sell alcohol has received adequate training on the law with regard to age restricted products and that this has been properly documented and training records kept. The training record to be kept on the licensed premises and made available for inspection by the Licensing Officer, Trading Standards or the Police. 

•           The Licensee shall ensure that each member of staff authorised to sell alcohol is fully aware of his/her responsibilities in relation to verifying a customer’s age and is able to effectively question purchasers and check evidence of proof of age

•           Children under the age of 18 years shall not be allowed on the premises after 21:00 hours unless accompanied by an adult.

•           Alcohol shall only be sold ancillary to a meal. There shall be no vertical drinking at the premises, all consumption of alcohol on site shall be whilst seated.

•           Alcohol shall be sold to customers by waiter/waitress service only. 

•           Noise nuisance/vibration from machinery (i.e. air-con fans, kitchen extractors) (including vibration) will only operate in opening hours and materials specified to minimize vibration created installed (i.e. dampening mats under feet);

•           The movement of bins and rubbish outside the premises will be kept to a minimum after 23:00 to reduce the levels of noise produced by the premises;

•           Prominent, clear and legible notices will be displayed at all exits requesting the public to respect the needs of nearby residents and to leave the premises and the area quietly;

•           Deliveries of materials necessary for the operation of the business will be carried out at such a time or in such a manner as to prevent nuisance and disturbance to nearby residents;

•           The Licensee will ensure that staff who arrive early morning or depart late at night when the business has ceased trading conduct themselves in such a manner to avoid causing disturbance to nearby residents;

•           Customers will be asked not to stand around talking in the street outside the premises and asked to leave the vicinity quickly and quietly;

•           Windows and doors, save for access and egress, shall be closed after 21:00 to reduce public nuisance.

Summary

There were three representations against this application from residents.

There were no representations against this application from responsible authorities.

Determination:

1. The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application by Tasawar Ameen for a new premises licence in respect of Black Loom, 51 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2JS.
2. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and late night refreshment.
3. During the consultation period, representations were received from three local residents raising concerns in relation to the prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm. No representations were made by any Responsible Authority.
4. The Sub-Committee reminded itself that the Licensing Act 2003 and the statutory Section 182 Guidance require decisions to be evidence-based, appropriate and proportionate and directed towards the promotion of the licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee further reminded itself that is must take steps as it considers appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives and these steps include but not limited to granting the licence subject to modified or additional conditions or reject the application altogether.

Decision: Granted

1. Having carefully considered the application, operating schedule, written representations, oral submissions made at the hearing and all of the evidence before it, the Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to grant the application as applied for, subject to the conditions contained within the operating schedule and the further conditions offered by the applicant.

Applicant

1. The applicant explained that the premises would operate as a seated café and restaurant and not as a public house, bar or nightclub. The applicant confirmed that alcohol would only be supplied ancillary to a meal, by waiter or waitress service and there would be no vertical drinking at the premises.
2. The applicant demonstrated a good understanding of the licensing regime and the responsibilities associated with holding a premises licence. The applicant explained the measures that would be implemented to promote the licensing objectives and addressed the concerns raised by local residents.
3. The applicant confirmed that the rear garden area would not be available for customer use and customers would not be permitted access to that area. The members noted the applicant's confirmation by way of conditions that windows and doors would remain closed after 21:00 hours, save for access and egress, in order to minimise noise breakout from the premises.
4. The applicant also confirmed that a customer noise dispersal policy had been prepared to deal with customers leaving the premises in particular during the later hours of the night.
5. The applicant submitted that the hours sought are consistent with the favourable hours stipulated in the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy (2021-2026).

Residents

1. The Sub-Committee carefully considered the representations submitted by 3 local residents. In summary, the concerns principally related to fear of noise nuisance from the premises, noise from customer dispersal, potential anti-social behaviour, the proximity of residential properties and the potential impact of late-night operation upon nearby residents.
2. Two residents attended the hearing and reiterated concerns regarding noise disturbance, customer behaviour, the proximity of the rear garden to neighbouring properties, waste disposal arrangements and the possibility that the premises could in the future evolve into something more akin to a drinking establishment rather than a café.

Deliberations

1. The Sub-Committee, being mindful of the Secretary of States’ statutory guidance, attached significant weight to the fact that no Responsible Authority had made representations against the application. Members noted that Responsible Authorities are the principal source of expert advice in respect of matters concerning crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. The absence of objections from any Responsible Authority was therefore a significant factor in favour of the application.
2. Members found that the applicant had presented a robust and well-considered operating schedule containing a comprehensive package of conditions specifically designed to promote the licensing objectives and taking into account the resident’s concerns. Rather than simply disputing the concerns of the residents, the applicant demonstrated action to try to allay fears of the residents who made representations against the application. The Sub-Committee considered it particularly noteworthy that the applicant had prepared a written noise management and dispersal strategy notwithstanding that such measures are not always associated with café and restaurant style operations. Members regarded this as demonstrating a genuine commitment to promoting the licensing objectives and responding positively to concerns raised by residents throughout the application process.
3. The Sub-Committee welcomed the applicant's proactive approach in offering additional measures beyond those ordinarily expected within an operating schedule in order to allay the concerns of local residents. Members were satisfied that these measures represented a sincere endeavour to minimise any potential impact upon neighbouring properties.
4. Members considered that the premises is situated in an area where there are residential premises but were particularly reassured by the applicant's confirmation that:

-           Alcohol would only be supplied ancillary to a meal,

-           Alcohol would only be supplied by waiter or waitress service,

-           There would be no vertical drinking,

-        The premises would operate as a café and restaurant rather than a bar or public house, and

-        Customers would not have access to the rear garden area and will be actively told not to congregate directly outside of the premises.

1. Whilst the Sub-Committee carefully considered the concerns raised by residents, Members concluded that the combination of the operating schedule, agreed conditions and the nature of the operation as a seated restaurant provided appropriate and proportionate safeguards.
2. The Sub-Committee also reminded itself that the Licensing Act 2003 provides a review mechanism. Should evidence emerge in the future that the operation of the premises is undermining one or more of the licensing objectives, local residents and Responsible Authorities retain the ability to seek a review of the premises licence. Members considered this to be an important safeguard should the premises’ licence undermine any of the four licensing objectives.
3. Having considered all of the evidence before it, Members were satisfied that the application, together with the conditions offered by the applicant, would promote all four licensing objectives. The Sub-Committee therefore concluded that the appropriate and proportionate step was to grant the application with the conditions set out below:

Opening Hours

-           Sunday to Thursday: 08:00 to 23:00

-           Friday and Saturday: 08:00 to 00:00

Supply of Alcohol (On Sales)

-           Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 to 23:00

-           Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 00:00

Late Night Refreshment

-           Friday and Saturday: 23:00 to 00:00

Conditions consistent with the operating schedule

Control of Alcohol

1. Alcohol shall only be sold ancillary to a meal.
2. There shall be no vertical drinking at the premises and all consumption of alcohol shall take place whilst customers remain seated.
3. Alcohol shall be sold to customers by waiter or waitress service only.
4. A Challenge 25 policy shall operate at all times to prevent the sale of alcohol to people under 18 years of age. The licensee to prominently display notices advising customers of the “Challenge 25” policy. The following proofs of age are the only ones to be accepted:

-           Proof of age cards bearing the “Pass” hologram symbol

-           UK photo driving licence

-           Passport

-           Military ID

1. The licence holder/DPS shall maintain a written register of all staff authorised to sell alcohol.
2. A trained member of management will be present whenever licensable activities are taking place and will oversee the operation of the premises at all times.
3. All alcohol sold at the premises will be sourced from reputable wholesalers registered under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS).
4. Children under the age of 18 years shall not be permitted on the premises after 21:00 hours unless accompanied by an adult.

Training

1. All staff involved in the sale of alcohol will receive training on age-restricted sales, recognising underage and proxy purchase attempts, and safeguarding children. Training will be completed before staff are authorised to sell alcohol and will be refreshed regularly, with records kept on site.
2. Staff shall be trained and able to effectively verify age and inspect identification documents.
3. Staff training will be recorded and signed off by the DPS and/or Premises Licence Holder and will be available for inspection by the Police or other responsible authority upon request.

CCTV

1. A suitable closed-circuit television (CCTV) system shall be in operation whilst members of the public are in attendance. The CCTV system shall record images to cover all areas of the licensed site to which the public have access (save for toilets/showers/changing areas). The CCTV system shall record images to cover external areas used by customers. At least one member of staff shall be on duty at the premises who can operate the system and download recorded images. These images will be downloaded and provided immediately, or where this is not possible as soon as practicable, on request to an officer of a responsible authority. The CCTV system shall be capable of retaining images for a minimum of 31 days, will be of good quality and will contain the correct time and date stamp information. The CCTV system and images will be kept in a secure environment to which members of the public will not be permitted access. A staff member conversant with the operation of the CCTV system shall be present whenever the premises is open to the public and shall be capable of producing recordings immediately upon request.

Incident Book and Refusals Register

1. An incident log shall be maintained and made available upon request, recording:

-           all crimes reported to the premises;

-           all customer ejections;

-           incidents of disorder;

-           seizures of drugs or offensive weapons;

-           faults in CCTV or related equipment; and

-           refusals of alcohol sales.

1. A refusals register shall be maintained and made available for inspection by authorised officers and Police.

Noise

1. Prominent signage shall be displayed requesting customers to leave quietly.
2. Noise-producing machinery and equipment shall be operated and maintained so as to minimise noise and vibration disturbance.
3. The movement of bins and rubbish outside the premises shall be kept to a minimum after 23:00 hours.
4. Deliveries shall be conducted so as to avoid nuisance and disturbance to nearby residents.
5. Staff arriving early or leaving late shall conduct themselves in a manner that avoids disturbance to nearby residents.
6. Customers shall be asked not to congregate outside the premises and to leave quietly and promptly.
7. Windows and doors, save for access and egress, shall remain closed after 21:00 hours.
8. The rear external garden area shall not be used by customers and shall remain unavailable for patron use.
9. No speakers or audio equipment shall be installed or operated in the rear yard area.
10. Any smoking by customers shall be actively managed by staff so as to minimise noise and disturbance to neighbouring residential properties.
11. A direct management contact telephone number shall be made available to nearby residents to enable complaints or concerns regarding the operation of the premises to be raised and addressed promptly.

Dispersal

1. Alcohol sales shall cease 30 minutes before the premises closes to the public to facilitate a gradual and orderly dispersal of customers. During this 30-minute period, no further alcohol shall be sold or supplied, and this time shall be used solely as a wind-down period to allow customers to finish drinks and leave the premises in an orderly manner.
2. The premises shall operate in accordance with a written Customer Dispersal and Neighbourhood Management Policy, which shall be kept at the premises and made available for inspection upon request.
3. Reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent customers congregating outside the premises and customers shall be encouraged to leave the area promptly and quietly.
4. Management shall take reasonable steps to ensure customers waiting for taxis or private hire vehicles do not congregate outside the premises causing nuisance to local residents.
5. Where reasonably practicable, customers awaiting a taxi or private hire vehicle shall be encouraged to remain inside the premises until their vehicle arrives.
6. Management shall take reasonable steps to discourage customers from obstructing neighbouring driveways, creating excessive vehicle noise or waiting unnecessarily in vehicles outside the premises.

Right of Appeal

Any party who has made a relevant representation may appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of notification of the decision.

On appeal, the Magistrates’ Court may:

1. Dismiss the appeal; or
2. Substitute the decision for another decision which could have been made by the Sub Committee; or
3. Remit the case to the Sub Committee to dispose of it in accordance with the direction of the Court; and
4. Make an order for costs as it sees fit.