The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council met on Thursday 23 February 2012. The primary item on the agenda was an application for a new premises licence for a convenience store at 92 Upton Lane, Forest Gate. The committee was scheduled to consider representations made by the Police, the Council's Noise and Nuisance unit, and Trading Standards.

Application for a New Premises Licence at 92 Upton Lane, Forest Gate

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for 92 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9LW, submitted by Mr Lais Uddin. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol off the premises between 08:00 and 23:00 every day.

Representations were lodged by several parties:

• The Police Licensing Unit raised concerns regarding the licensing objectives of the protection of children from harm, prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. Their representation highlighted a lack of detail in the operating schedule concerning CCTV, staff training, and a refusals book. They also noted the existence of a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) across Newham, aimed at tackling alcohol-related violence and street drinking, and expressed concern that the proposed closing time of 23:59 would exacerbate existing issues in the area. PC Richard Aston of the Forest Gate South Neighbourhood Team also provided a supporting statement detailing these concerns.

• The Council's Noise and Nuisance unit made representations on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. Officers visited the premises and noted that the application lacked detail on how public nuisance would be prevented outside and in the immediate vicinity. Specific concerns were raised about potential littering, noise from customers congregating outside, and refuse collection. While no direct complaints had been received in the preceding six months, the unit expressed concern that the proposed opening hours of 08:00 to 23:00, seven days a week, for alcohol sales could lead to issues such as groups congregating outside, loud voices, vehicles, and littering. The unit also referenced 17 reports of street drinking and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the vicinity over the past six months, believing the proposed hours would exacerbate these problems.

• The Council's Trading Standards Unit made representations on the grounds of the protection of children from harm. Their representation stated that the application was totally inadequate and showed no understanding of the steps required to protect children from harm, particularly concerning the prevention of under-18s attempting to purchase alcohol.

The report pack also included a procedure note for the Licensing Committee (2003 Act) and its sub-committees, outlining the process for handling opposed applications and applications for review. This procedure note detailed the roles of interested parties and responsible authorities, the licensing objectives, and the steps involved in making representations and attending hearings. Guidance for councillors on declarations of interest and lobbying was also provided.