The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Thursday 12 September 2024 to consider an application for a premises licence for Aroma, located at 951 Green Lane, Dagenham. The committee granted the application, subject to amended conditions, after hearing representations from ward councillors, residents, and the applicant.

Application for Premises Licence: Aroma, 951 Green Lane, Dagenham

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Aroma, a former bank at 951 Green Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1AD. The applicant, Jed Tech London Ltd, sought permission to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshment.

The initial application proposed alcohol sales from 9am to 11:45pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 1:45am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9am to 10:45pm on Sundays. Late-night refreshment was requested from 11pm to 11:45pm Monday to Thursday, and 11pm to 1:45am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Eight representations were received against the application: one from the ward councillors for Whalebone Ward, Councillors Andrew Achilleos, Glenda Paddle, and Mukhtar Yusuf, and seven from interested parties, including residents. These representations raised concerns under all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer and the Council's Environmental Protection Officer, amendments to the application were agreed. These amendments included a reduction in the proposed hours for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment, and the addition of several new conditions. The Metropolitan Police withdrew their representation after these agreements were made. However, no agreement was reached with the interested parties.

Key Concerns Raised by Objectors:

• Ward Councillors expressed concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance and crime and disorder due to illegal parking, the proximity to Robert Clack School, and the possibility of conflict with existing licensed premises. They also raised concerns about the potential for a shisha bar and the impact on residents' parking.
• Residents echoed concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, and littering. They highlighted the proximity to Robert Clack School and the potential risks to vulnerable young people. Some residents also expressed a desire for the premises to be used for community-focused activities rather than a restaurant with an alcohol licence.

Applicant's Response and Agreed Amendments:

The applicant's representative, Peter Conisbee of PcLicensing, addressed the concerns raised. Key points from their response and the agreed amendments included:

• Parking: The applicant stated there would be 10-15 parking spaces available at the rear of the premises, with additional pay-and-display parking opposite. A website would direct customers to these facilities. Plans were in place to prevent pavement parking.
• School Proximity: The applicant agreed to a new condition stating that On any school day, no one under the age of 18 will be permitted on the premises before 1600 hours, unless accompanied by an adult. The start time for alcohol sales was also moved to 11:00 am.
• Shisha Bar: The applicant denied any intention to operate a shisha bar, explaining that a wooden structure at the rear was a replacement for a damaged fence and was intended to secure the area.
• Operating Hours: The terminal hour for licensable activity on Monday to Saturday was reduced to 11:45 pm, with the premises closing at midnight.
• Alcohol Sales: A key condition was agreed: Persons who are not paying for a table meal or purchasing a takeaway meal may not be served alcohol at the venue, save for 8 persons at the bar awaiting a table or takeaway meal. This aimed to ensure alcohol was ancillary to dining.
• Noise and Nuisance: Conditions were agreed regarding noise levels, waste management, and the closure of windows and external doors after 9 pm. A sound-limiting device was to be installed, and loudspeakers were not to be located in the entrance or outside the building. A dispersal policy was also to be implemented.
• Public Safety: The premises committed to operating the 'Ask for Angela' and 'Ask for Clive' schemes, and to display relevant signage.

Decision:

The Sub-Committee carefully considered all representations and evidence. They decided to grant the application as amended. The committee was satisfied that the agreed variations, developed in cooperation with the responsible authorities, adequately addressed concerns regarding the four licensing objectives. The full written reasons for the decision would be provided in due course. The Chair also noted the strength of community feeling and encouraged the restaurant to engage with the community, perhaps through a community opening night.