The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday 18 June 2019 to consider an application for a premises licence for Peri Peri Grill & Wraps. The application was refused by the Sub-Committee.

Application for Premises Licence for Peri Peri Grill & Wraps Refused

The Licensing Sub-Committee has refused an application for a new premises licence for Peri Peri Grill & Wraps, located at 369 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1TF. The application, submitted by Tajwar Treats Limited, sought permission to provide late-night refreshment between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the following day, seven days a week.

The Metropolitan Police lodged an objection to the application, citing concerns about undermining the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. The premises are situated within the Ilford Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), an area designated by the London Borough of Redbridge's Statement of Licensing Policy where there is a presumption against granting new licences due to existing issues with late-night activity.

The applicant, Mohammad Haque, failed to attend the hearing, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. The Sub-Committee resolved to proceed with the hearing in his absence.

James Rankin, counsel for the Metropolitan Police, argued that the premises' previous licence had expired at the beginning of 2019. He noted that while extended hours up to 1:00 a.m. or even 2:00 a.m. might be acceptable, the requested 5:00 a.m. closing time was excessive. Mr. Rankin explained that the police's objective in the CIZ is to encourage people leaving late-night venues to disperse from the area quickly to reduce crime and disorder. He stated that additional seating at the proposed Peri Peri Grill & Wraps would encourage congregation, counteracting this objective.

The Sub-Committee found that the premises' location within the Ilford CIZ engaged paragraph 99 of the Council's Licensing Policy, which creates a rebuttable presumption to refuse applications unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated. They also noted the Statutory Guidance, which advises that the Police are the primary source of advice on the Crime and Disorder Licensing Objective.

A key finding was that the applicant's failure to attend the hearing indicated a lack of understanding of operating within a CIZ. The Sub-Committee concluded that the applicant's presence was crucial to address questions regarding his awareness of the CIZ's purpose and the expectations of operating within it.

Consequently, the Sub-Committee determined to refuse the application, citing the failure of the applicant to attend and demonstrate an understanding of the implications of operating within the Cumulative Impact Zone.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Roy Emmett (Chair), Councillor Anne Marie Sachs, and Councillor Jamal Uddin. Joe Maerz from the Licensing Authority and Kate McCrimmon (Legal Officer) were also present. PC Richard Clay and PC Owen Dunn from the Metropolitan Police were in attendance, along with their counsel, James Rankin. Leontia Brewer served as the Democratic Services Officer.