The Licensing Sub-Committee of Redbridge Council met on Wednesday 19 August 2026 and refused an application to vary a premises licence for GDK, located at 1201-1203 High Road, Chadwell Heath, RM6 4AL. The application sought to extend the permitted hours for late-night refreshment to 03:00 hours seven days a week.

Variation of Premises Licence for GDK, Chadwell Heath

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application by HGJ Foods Ltd to vary the premises licence for GDK, a fast-casual restaurant and takeaway food outlet. The proposed variation would have extended the hours for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 03:00 every day of the week, with the premises closing to the public at 23:00 and only takeaway and delivery services operating thereafter.

The applicant's representative argued that the premises was not an alcohol-led venue and had a good operating history with no recorded incidents of crime, disorder, public nuisance, or police intervention. They highlighted the company's experience with similar establishments and stated that appropriate management measures, staff training, and CCTV were in place. The applicant contended that the proposed extension would not undermine the licensing objectives and that licensing should focus on managing risks rather than eliminating them entirely.

However, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team both objected to the application. The Police expressed concerns that extending operations until 03:00 would increase delivery-related activity, vehicle movements, and associated noise at a time when local residents, who live in close proximity to the premises, would reasonably expect peace and quiet. They noted that while the premises had not experienced significant issues, licensing decisions must consider likely future impacts. The Police had previously suggested that a compromise of operating until 02:00, with deliveries via the rear access, might be acceptable, but this was not agreed by the applicant.

The Licensing Enforcement Team echoed these concerns, highlighting the mixed commercial and residential nature of the area and the lack of dedicated parking, which could lead to illegal parking and disturbance. They also noted that operating until 03:00 would extend activity into a period when residents would expect quiet enjoyment of their homes.

After considering all representations and evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application. They acknowledged the applicant's responsible operation and engagement but were not satisfied that extending late-night refreshment hours to 03:00 was appropriate for the location. The Sub-Committee concluded that the proposed hours would create an unacceptable risk of public nuisance and adverse impacts on local residents. They noted that the applicant had not accepted a compromise offer from the Police for earlier hours with specific delivery arrangements. The existing licence conditions remain in force.