The Havering Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss an application by GeTurkish Ltd for a new premises licence at 8 Station Road, Romford, RM2 6DA¹. Despite initial indications of approval, the sub-committee ultimately refused the application, citing concerns about the late operating hours and the applicant's insufficient consideration of delivery services.

GetTurkish Premises Licence Application

The sub-committee considered the application for a new premises licence submitted by GeTurkish Ltd, concerning their fast-food takeaway located at 8 Station Road, Gidea Park. The applicant, Mr Ruhul Amin, sought permission to provide late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00, seven days a week, with overall opening hours from 11:00 to 02:00 daily.

Despite no objections from interested parties, representations against the application were received from the Metropolitan Police, the Environmental Health Department, and Havering's Licensing Authority. These objections primarily focused on concerns regarding:

• Prevention of crime and disorder: The Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer, PC Chris Stockman, expressed concerns that the venue's late operating hours could lead to increased crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour, particularly given its location in a mainly residential area near Gidea Park station. > Our concerns are that a venue located in a residential area operating until 0200 hours, seven days a week, will likely contribute to an increase in the amount of late noise and contribute to public nuisance in that immediate area. - PC Chris Stockman, Metropolitan Police Licensing Officer
• Public nuisance: Mike Richardson, the council's environmental health officer, raised concerns about potential noise from the extract fan (located close to a neighbouring house), cooking odours, and disturbances related to late-night deliveries.
• Compliance with licensing policy: Paul Jones, the council's public protection officer, highlighted that the requested hours were outside of the council's licensing policy guidelines and that the premises' existing planning permission restricted operating hours to 23:00. He also noted the lack of clarity regarding delivery methods and the potential for the premises to attract individuals under the influence of alcohol.

Mr Ruhul Amin, director of GetTurkish Ltd, addressed the sub-committee, arguing that there was a demand for late-night refreshment in the area due to the station's operation until 01:30 and the presence of a 24-hour taxi office nearby. He also outlined measures taken to mitigate potential nuisances, such as soundproofing, advanced extraction systems, and staff training.

Despite these arguments, the Licensing Sub-Committee ultimately decided to refuse the application. The decision was based on the following factors:

• Failure to promote licensing objectives: The sub-committee was not satisfied that the proposed conditions were sufficient to promote the licensing objectives, particularly regarding the prevention of public nuisance, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.
• Insufficient consideration of deliveries: The sub-committee felt that the applicant had not adequately researched or considered the impact of deliveries on the local area, especially given the lack of a clear business model and the potential for disturbance.
• Misalignment of planning and licensing: The sub-committee was persuaded by the fact that the licensing hours and planning permission hours were misaligned. > The Licensing Sub Committee was concerned that planning and licensing were misaligned and therefore persuaded by 11.4 of the statement of Licensing Policy where it states ‘For example, if there is a variance between the hours given under the licence and those permitted by the planning permission the earlier hours will apply.

The sub-committee acknowledged that there were no representations from local residents or ward councillors but emphasised that its decision was based on the evidence presented by the responsible authorities. The sub-committee noted that another takeaway referenced by the applicant that had been granted a late night licence was in a significantly different area so the Licensing Sub-Committee considered it inappropriate to compare. The Licensing Sub-Committee noted that there were no takeaways in Gidea Park open beyond 11pm.

The applicant has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.

Other Decisions

The Licensing Sub-Committee also approved the following recommendations:

• Procurement of Mobysoft Rent Sense
• 167 Hillrise Road RM5 3BW - Housing Scheme for the buy-back of ex -Local Authority properties.
• M365 Change and Adoption Support
• Approval for the procurement of a service contract to verify private sector compliance with building safety standards
• The Chewing Gum Task Force Year 4: Grant Approval