The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday, 3 January 2024, to consider an application for a premises licence for D'Will Events Centre. The applicant ultimately decided to withdraw their application during the meeting.

Application for a Premises Licence at D'Will Events Centre

An application was made for a premises licence for D'Will Events Centre, located at Selinas Lane, Dagenham RM8 1QH. The applicant, Fola Kelani Afolabi, sought to operate the venue for various licensable activities, including the provision of plays, live and recorded music, performances of dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours for these activities were extensive, running from 8:00 am to 1:00 am Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8:00 am to 3:00 am on Sundays.

Representations objecting to the application were received from three responsible authorities: the Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer, the Council's Environmental Protection Officer, and the Council's Licensing Authority Responsible Authority Officer.

The Metropolitan Police raised concerns regarding the proposed hours, the types of events the venue would host, and the control measures in place, citing potential increases in crime and disorder and public nuisance. They noted the venue's location near residential properties and the lack of clarity in the application regarding how third-party hires would be managed.

The Environmental Protection Officer's representation focused on the potential for public nuisance, highlighting that the building's construction offered limited sound insulation, which could lead to noise breakout and disturbance to nearby residents. They recommended that the application be refused as presented, suggesting that an acoustic assessment and structural enhancements might be necessary.

The Council's Licensing Authority Responsible Authority Officer also raised objections based on the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. They echoed concerns about the extensive hours, the potential for intoxication, and the lack of robust conditions to mitigate risks, particularly in relation to third-party hires.

During the meeting, the applicant's representative, Rob Edge from License Leader Limited, informed the Sub-Committee that Fola Kelani Afolabi, the applicant, was inexperienced in completing premises licence applications. It was stated that, following discussions with the responsible authorities, the applicant had decided to withdraw the application. The proposed way forward was for the applicant to submit a series of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to gain experience in running licensed events. This would be followed by a revised application with reduced hours and a more robust operating schedule, which it was anticipated would better meet the requirements of the responsible authorities.

The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Adegboyega Oluwole, with members Councillor Victoria Hornby and Councillor Regina Rahman, accepted the applicant's decision to withdraw the application.