The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Zahra Grill and Restaurant. The committee was also set to review the procedure for licensing hearings.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Zahra Grill and Restaurant

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for Zahra Grill and Restaurant, located at 82 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2LA. The applicant, Zahra Grill and Restaurant Ltd, sought to offer late-night refreshment between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM seven days a week, with the premises open to the public from 6:00 AM to 3:00 AM. The establishment is described as a family-run food business specialising in grilled dishes and hot meals for dine-in and takeaway, and it does not serve alcohol.

The report pack indicated that three objections had been lodged by responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement team, and the Council's Community Protection Task Force (CPTF). These objections were based on concerns that granting the licence could negatively impact the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, and ensuring public safety. The premises is situated within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), a designated area where the council has a policy to presume against the granting of new licences due to the concentration of licensed premises and associated issues.

The report pack outlined the procedure for licensing hearings, which would involve the presentation of the case by the applicant and any responsible authorities making representations, followed by questioning from the sub-committee. The sub-committee was to consider whether to grant the application, grant it with additional conditions, grant it in part, or reject it.

The report also detailed the legal and policy considerations, including the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003, the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Equality Act 2010. The council's policy on Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZs) creates a rebuttable presumption that applications within these zones will be refused unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated to show that granting the application will not add to existing cumulative impacts. The report highlighted that the requested hours significantly exceed the framework hours recommended in the council's licensing policy for restaurants and cafes in the Ilford Lane area.

Representations from the Metropolitan Police and the London Borough of Redbridge Community Protection Team expressed concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance and crime and disorder, particularly due to the late hours requested and the premises' location within the Ilford Town CIZ and a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area. These representations cited issues such as noise from patrons and delivery drivers, littering, parking problems, and anti-social behaviour, which are already concerns in the area. The Licensing Enforcement Team also raised concerns about the adequacy of the operating schedule to mitigate these potential impacts.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The sub-committee was also scheduled to review the procedure for licensing hearings. This procedure outlines the steps to be followed during a hearing, including the presentation of cases by the applicant and responsible authorities, questioning of witnesses, and the sub-committee's deliberation and decision-making process. The procedure aims to ensure a fair and transparent hearing for all parties involved.