The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Molos Coffee. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the procedure for licensing hearings.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The committee was scheduled to discuss the established procedure for conducting licensing hearings. This procedure outlines the order in which evidence will be presented, starting with a factual summary from a Licensing Authority officer. It details the sequence for the applicant's case, including the presentation of evidence and questioning by interested parties and committee members. Following this, the procedure details how the case for any interested parties making representations will be heard, including their own presentations and questioning by the applicant and committee members. The procedure also specifies the order for summing up by each interested party and the applicant, before the committee deliberates in private. Finally, it notes that official notice of the decision will be communicated to all parties within five working days.

Application for a Premises Licence: Molos Coffee

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a premises licence for Molos Coffee, located at 5a Jubilee Market, Barnabas Road, Woodford Green. The applicant, Mr. Astrit Mehmeti, trading as Molos Coffee, sought authorisation to sell alcohol on the premises daily between 11:00 and 22:30. The premises would be open to the public from 06:00 to 22:30 daily.

The report pack detailed the requirements for premises licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003, including the advertising and consultation process. It outlined that any person or responsible authority can make representations to the licensing authority within 28 days if they believe granting the application would undermine one or more of the licensing objectives.

The application proposed several conditions to promote the four licensing objectives:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: The applicant committed to installing and maintaining a CCTV system that meets specific evidential quality standards, covering all public areas, entrances, and exits. Recordings were to be kept for a minimum of 31 days, and staff would be available to provide immediate access to recordings for the police or licensing authority. An incident log was to be maintained, recording all crimes, ejections, complaints, disorder, seizures of drugs or weapons, and CCTV system faults. The premises would operate a zero-tolerance policy on controlled drugs and psychoactive substances, including searching practices and staff training.
• Public Safety: Alcohol would be sold and served with food to prevent excessive consumption. Customers appearing drunk or causing public disorder would be refused service. A minimum of two staff members would be present on the shop floor between 21:00 and 23:00 daily.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: The premises would operate as a restaurant, requiring customers to be seated at a table and to be served substantial table meals. Takeaway services for immediate consumption would not be provided, and alcohol consumption would be ancillary to meals. Waste and deliveries would be managed to avoid noise between 22:00 and 08:00.
• Protection of Children from Harm: A Challenge 25 scheme would be operated, requiring identification from anyone appearing under 25. Clear signage would be displayed at points of sale. A refusals record would be maintained for all alcohol sales refusals, detailing the date, time, and staff member involved. All staff selling alcohol would receive training on child protection, recognising drunkenness, and the duty not to serve intoxicated persons, with refresher training every six months. Children under 16 would need to be accompanied by an adult after 21:00.

The report pack also noted that the council's Statement of Licensing Policy was available, which advises applicants to address all four licensing objectives and consult with relevant authorities. The policy specifically recommends the Challenge 25 policy to prevent underage sales.

The report also referenced legal implications under the Human Rights Act 1998, concerning the peaceful enjoyment of possessions, the right to a fair hearing, and the right to respect for private and family life. Fairness implications, including equality and diversity, were also considered, requiring the council to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not.

The report pack included representations from several individuals and a petition objecting to the application. These objections primarily raised concerns about:

• Child Safety: Concerns were expressed regarding the safety of children attending a nearby school.
• Traffic Volume: The existing high traffic volume on Barnabas Road was cited as a reason why an alcohol licence could heighten risks, particularly for children.
• Obstruction of Residents' Private Driveways: Residents reported existing issues with inconsiderate parking, which they feared would be exacerbated by an establishment serving alcohol, potentially hindering access for convenience, safety, and emergency situations.
• Extended Trading Hours: The proposed extension of trading hours until 22:30 was a cause for concern, with potential for increased public nuisance, crime escalation, and general neighbourhood disruption.

The report pack also contained appendices detailing the application form, a floor plan of Molos Coffee, Google Maps views of the location, and the text of the objections received.