The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council refused an application for a premises licence for Ilirida Café Ltd, located at 36 Upminster Road South, Rainham. The decision was made after considering representations from local residents who raised concerns about potential noise, disturbance, and the impact on children.

Application for a Premises Licence - Ilirida Café Ltd

The Licensing Sub-Committee refused an application for a premises licence for Ilirida Café Ltd, located at 36 Upminster Road South, Rainham RM13 9AA. The application sought permission to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises between 11:00 and 23:00 seven days a week.

The applicant, Mr Nik Preci, proposed that 80% of the café's products would be soft drinks, refreshments, teas, and coffees, with alcohol sales being ancillary to meals. Conditions were agreed with the Licensing Authority that alcohol would only be sold to seated customers consuming a meal and would be served by waiter/waitress service only. The applicant also agreed to conditions regarding the closure of the outside seating area at 20:30 and the monitoring of the outside area.

However, six representations were received from local residents, including Elaine Huclup and Terry Huclup, who live adjacent to the proposed premises. Their primary concerns centred on the potential for noise and disturbance, congregation of customers outside the premises, loss of privacy, and the impact on children and vulnerable persons. Residents also raised issues regarding parking and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

During the hearing, the Sub-Committee noted that the applicant's food offering was limited to light refreshments rather than substantial meals. They also expressed concern about the applicant's understanding of the licensing objectives, as he was unable to identify them when questioned. The Sub-Committee placed significant weight on the premises' location, being immediately adjacent to residential properties, and accepted residents' concerns that the sale of alcohol until 23:00 could lead to noise, disturbance, and a loss of peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

Despite no representations being received from responsible authorities, the Sub-Committee concluded that granting the licence would likely undermine the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Consequently, the application was refused. Any party who made a relevant representation has the right to appeal this decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.