The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda is an application to vary the premises licence for Ali Curry House, located at 303 High Road, Ilford. This application has generated significant representations from various responsible authorities.

Application to Vary Premises Licence: Ali Curry House

The meeting's most significant item is the consideration of an application to vary the premises licence for Ali Curry House, 303 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NR. The application, submitted by Mr Khurram Shahzad, seeks to extend the hours for late-night refreshment from the current terminal hours to 05:00 every day of the week. Additionally, the applicant is requesting that the premises be open to the public 24 hours a day. A key part of the application is the proposal to remove all existing conditions attached to the licence and replace them with a new set of conditions proposed in the operating schedule.

This application has attracted considerable attention from several Responsible Authorities ¹, who have submitted representations outlining concerns that the proposed variations could undermine the licensing objectives.

The Metropolitan Police Service Licensing Team has raised concerns regarding public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. They note that the premises is located within the Ilford Town Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)² and question the justification for the extended hours, particularly until 05:00. The police also highlight a recent breach of the current licence by the premises, where licensable activities were observed to be operating beyond permitted hours on 6 March 2026. They express a lack of confidence in the operator's ability to adhere to new conditions if current ones are not followed.

The London Borough of Redbridge Licensing Enforcement Team has formally objected to the application in full, citing concerns that it would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. They highlight that the proposed changes represent a material intensification of use and are contrary to the purpose of the CIZ policy. The team also points to the recent enforcement action taken against the premises for operating beyond authorised hours, stating that this demonstrates weak management controls and a heightened risk that extended hours would not be complied with.

The London Borough of Redbridge Public Health Team has also made representations, focusing on the potential health impacts of extended late-night food consumption, particularly within a CIZ. They highlight data on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in the Ilford Town area, noting that fast food consumption is linked to these health risks. The team expresses concern that the proposed 24-hour operation and extended late-night refreshment hours could exacerbate these public health issues, especially for children and young people in the community. They argue that the application poses a significant health risk due to the continuous operation and potential for poor hygiene.

The Council's Community Protection Task Force has also raised objections, believing the variation would undermine the licensing objectives for public nuisance and crime and disorder. They point to the premises' location on a busy road with nearby residential properties and the lack of designated parking, which could lead to noise and anti-social behaviour from patrons and delivery drivers. The Taskforce also notes the premises' location within the CIZ and the fact that no other licensed premises in the area remain open until 05:00. They express concern that granting the extended hours would encourage intoxicated individuals to frequent the premises, potentially leading to increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and a greater strain on resources. The Taskforce also highlights a previous incident on 6 March 2026 where the premises was found to be open with patrons eating beyond its permitted hours.

The Sub-Committee will also consider the Procedure for Licensing Hearings document, which outlines the process to be followed during the hearing.