The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Elmos, a restaurant in South Woodford. The committee was also due to discuss a remote meetings protocol and the procedure for licensing hearings.

Application for a Premises Licence: Elmos

The main item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Elmos, located at Elmhurst, 98 High Road, South Woodford, London E18 2QH. The applicant, XFB Limited trading as Elmo's, sought authorisation for the supply of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and the provision of recorded music.

The proposed opening hours for the premises were from 09:00 to midnight on Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sundays. The application requested the supply of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption between 12:00 and 23:45 from Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:45 on Sundays. Late-night refreshment was proposed from 23:00 to midnight on Monday to Saturday, with recorded music indoors from 23:00 to 23:30 on the same days. Non-standard timings were requested for bank holidays, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, extending activities until 01:00.

The report pack detailed the steps the applicant intended to take to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. These included the installation of a CCTV system, the engagement of door supervisors on weekends, a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales, and restrictions on noise from amplified music and external seating areas.

Representations were received from various parties, including the Licensing Enforcement Team and several interested parties. Concerns raised by objectors primarily focused on the potential for public nuisance due to the premises' proximity to residential properties, the proposed late operating hours, and the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol consumption. Some objectors also raised concerns about parking issues and the potential for the venue to operate as a nightclub rather than a restaurant.

The report pack also included details of the existing premises licence for the site, previously held by Prezzo, which authorised similar licensable activities with slightly different hours.

Remote Meetings Protocol

The committee was scheduled to consider the Remote Meetings Protocol, which outlines the procedures for conducting meetings virtually. This protocol covers aspects such as confirming attendance, managing audio and visual feeds, using the raise your hand function for speaking, and procedures for interruptions to connections.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The committee was also set to review the Procedure for Licensing Hearings. This procedure details the order in which cases are presented, including the presentation of the applicant's case, questioning by interested parties and members, and the summing up by each party before the committee makes its decision in private.

The report pack also included minutes from a previous Licensing Sub-Committee meeting held on 14 October 2020, which detailed a hearing concerning an application for a new premises licence for The Bungalow Café in Wanstead. This previous discussion involved similar considerations regarding licensing objectives, representations from interested parties, and the applicant's case.