The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to discuss an application to review the premises licence of The General Havelock public house. The meeting's agenda also included procedural matters related to licensing hearings.

Application to Review the Premises Licence of The General Havelock

A significant item on the agenda was the scheduled discussion regarding an application to review the premises licence for The General Havelock, located at 229 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NE. This review was initiated following an application made by the Metropolitan Police Service under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, citing concerns associated with serious crime and disorder.

The report pack indicated that the Metropolitan Police had applied for a summary review of the licence due to alleged instances of the premises operating past its terminal hour, culminating in a serious incident, including an allegation of rape. The report detailed that a summary review hearing had already taken place on 5 August 2022, where interim steps were imposed. The current meeting was scheduled to consider a full review of the premises licence.

The report outlined the potential decisions the Sub-Committee could make, including modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

Representations were received from various parties. The Licensing Enforcement Team, a responsible authority, supported the police's representation. Additionally, five representations were received from interested parties, including a representation from Flint Bishop Solicitors, acting on behalf of the owner of The General Havelock, and four individuals who submitted statements in support of the premises licence not being revoked. These included statements from Paul Scott, Anne Winsper, Frank Johnstone, and Yasmin Khan.

The report also highlighted that the premises is located within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). The Licensing Sub-Committee was advised that the premises licence had been in existence before the CIZ was created. The report detailed the licensing objectives – the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm – which the council is required to promote. It also referenced the Council's Licensing Policy 2020 and the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the Home Office.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the procedure for licensing hearings, as outlined on page 1 of the public reports pack. This item would have set out the established protocols for conducting such hearings.