The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for BIMs, a fast-food restaurant and takeaway located at 376 Ilford Lane, Ilford. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the procedure for licensing hearings.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The committee was set to review the established procedure for conducting licensing hearings. This procedure outlines the steps to be followed, including the presentation of factual summaries by a Licensing Authority officer, the order in which the applicant and responsible authorities present their cases, and the process for questioning. The procedure also details how the sub-committee will deliberate and make decisions in private, with official notice to be sent to all parties.

Application for a Temporary Event Notice - BIMs, 376 Ilford Lane, Ilford

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr David Dadds, acting as agent for Karim Zigheche, for the premises BIMs at 376 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2LZ. The TEN requested permission for licensable activities related to the provision of late-night refreshment, described as a Fast food restaurant / takeaway.

The proposed hours for the event were:

• Friday 18 September 2020, from 23:00 to 01:00 the following day.
• Saturday 19 September 2020, from 23:00 to 01:00 the following day.
• Sunday 20 September 2020, from 23:00 to 23:59.

An objection to the TEN had been received from the Community Protection Team, citing concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. The report pack indicated that the committee would consider the TEN and the objection before deciding whether to allow the event to proceed or to issue a counter notice.

The report pack detailed the requirements for a TEN under the Licensing Act 2003¹, outlining that such notices inform the Licensing Authority of intended licensable activities. It also explained the role of the local authority exercising environmental health functions and the police in objecting to an event. The report noted that if an objection is received, the Licensing Authority must hold a hearing to consider it.

The objection from the Redbridge Enforcement Team, submitted by Senior Enforcement Officer Ravinder Sappal, highlighted concerns stemming from ongoing enforcement operations on Ilford Lane. These operations have addressed issues such as street drinking, public urination, littering, and obstruction caused by vehicles parking on pavements to access premises like BIMs. The objection also mentioned concerns about social distancing at BIMs during the Eat Out to Help Out period. The Enforcement Team stated that granting the TEN would likely increase crime and disorder, as well as public nuisance, and would place a strain on council resources.

The committee was scheduled to consider the application in light of the Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Prevention of Public Nuisance, Public Safety, and Protection of Children from Harm. The report also touched upon the legal implications of the Licensing Act 2003, including the timelines for submitting notices and holding hearings, as well as the powers of the sub-committee to allow the event, impose conditions, or issue a counter notice.