The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider two applications for new premises licences for Chef's Pizza, one located in Barkingside and the other in Ilford. Both applications sought permission for late-night refreshment and extended opening hours, which had attracted objections from responsible authorities citing concerns over the licensing objectives.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Chef's Pizza, 12 High Street, Barkingside, IG6 2DF

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Chef's Pizza at 12 High Street, Barkingside. The applicant, Mazhar Iqbal, sought permission for late-night refreshment between 11:00 and 03:00 daily, with the premises also open to the public during these hours. The premises is described as a ground-floor fast-food restaurant with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Objections to this application were lodged by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, and the 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 and preventing public nuisance. The Licensing Enforcement Team noted that the High Street in Barkingside has residential properties above commercial units and that the area experiences issues with anti-social behaviour and crime. They highlighted concerns about increased footfall, noise from patrons, and potential parking issues. The CPTF also raised concerns about public nuisance from patrons and delivery drivers, as well as potential increases in crime and disorder due to late-night activity. The Metropolitan Police also objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance, citing the potential for increased footfall from intoxicated patrons and the associated disturbances.

The report pack outlined the procedure for licensing hearings, detailing the order of evidence presentation and decision-making processes. It also referenced the relevant sections of the Licensing Act 2003, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Home Office, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹.

Application for a New Premises Licence: Chef's Pizza, 218 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1QE

The committee was also scheduled to consider a similar application for a new premises licence for Chef's Pizza at 218 High Road, Ilford. Mazhar Iqbal applied for permission for late-night refreshment and for the premises to be open to the public between 11:00 and 03:00 daily. This premises is also described as a ground-floor fast-food restaurant with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

This application also received objections from the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, and the CPTF. These objections were primarily focused on the potential negative impact on the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, and public safety. A key factor in the objections was that this premises is located within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)². The Council's Statement of Licensing Policy indicates a rebuttable presumption to refuse applications within a CIZ unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. The Licensing Enforcement Team noted the existence of an Anti-Social Behaviour Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)³ in Ilford Town Centre, which prohibits activities such as alcohol consumption in public places and public urination. They expressed concern that granting the licence would undermine the PSPO and contribute to existing issues of street drinking, public nuisance, and crime. The CPTF also raised concerns about public nuisance from patrons and delivery drivers, as well as potential increases in crime and disorder, particularly given the premises' location within the CIZ. The Metropolitan Police objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance, highlighting the issues already present in the CIZ and the potential for the new premises to exacerbate them.

The report pack for this application also detailed the requirements for premises licence applications, the licensing objectives, and relevant policy considerations, including the specific approach to Cumulative Impact Zones.