The Licensing Sub Committee of Haringey Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a new premises licence application for De Mamas Kitchen Woodgreen, and Temporary Event Notices for Chez Nicky and Pirates Grog Rum. The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the application for a new premises licence at De Mamas Kitchen Woodgreen, taking into account representations received from other parties.

Application for a New Premises Licence at De Mamas Kitchen Woodgreen

The Licensing Sub Committee were scheduled to discuss an application for a new premises licence submitted by Marilyn Nwokemodo for De Mamas Kitchen Woodgreen, 24-26 Commerce Road, Wood Green, London N22 8ED.

The application seeks permission for:

• Recorded music:
  • Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 22:00
  • Sunday 12:00 to 22:00
• Sale of alcohol:
  • Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 22:00
  • Sunday 12:00 to 22:00

The supply of alcohol would be permitted both on and off the premises.

The proposed opening hours are:

• Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 23:00
• Sunday 12:00 to 23:00

According to the report pack, the premises is situated along Commerce Road, which is predominantly residential.

The report pack notes that representations were received from other parties, and that the sub-committee could grant the application as requested, grant the application with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the whole or part of the application.

Representations from other parties

The report pack included copies of representations received from other parties.

One representation, from a resident of Commerce Road, stated that De Mama' Kichen & Afro Grocery Shop was turning into a gathering place for disruptive and dangerous individuals that serves alcohol, and that there had been several incidents of violence in the area. The representation also stated that the venue plays loud music throughout the day and night, disturbing residents' sleep, peace, and mental wellbeing.

Another representation, from Cinar Sahin, who lives in Basil Spence, stated that they did not want De Mamas Kitchen to get an alcohol licence because the street is not safe and they are worried about their own safety. Cinar Sahin also stated that the street is not suitable for music and alcohol at night because it is a side street and should be quiet.

Daliah Barrett, Licensing Team Leader, contacted Cinar Sahin to ask them to state fuller concerns as to why the application is not suitable and which licensing objectives that would be negatively impacted.

Cinar Sahin responded that having alcohol in a restaurant, especially in an unsafe area, will cause problems, and that they were sending the email based on their own thoughts and experiences.

Musa Binboga stated that they were not against opening a new restaurant, but the presence of alcohol in a restaurant makes them and their customers nervous, because the area is not a very safe area and there have been armed conflict and big fights before.

Police Representation

The report pack included a representation from PC Adriana Costache, North Area Licensing Officer, stating that the police agree with the requested timings and the premises supplying alcohol on and off the premises.

PC Adriana Costache suggested a number of conditions be added to the operating schedule, relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. These included:

• CCTV shall be installed, operated, and maintained, to function all times that the premises is open for licensable activities.
• An incident and refusal log shall be kept at the premises, and made available on request to the police or an authorised officer.
• A minimum of three members of staff will be present between 19:00 and the closing of the premises.
• A Zero Tolerance Policy towards the use, possession and supply of illegal drugs and/or psychoactive substances will be adopted.
• No more than 6 persons shall be permitted to smoke outside the front of the premises at any one time.
• The Designated Premises Supervisor or a person who holds a valid personal licence must always be present at the location.
• Prominent, clear and legible notices shall be displayed at all public exits from the premises requesting customers respect the needs of residents and leave the premises area quietly.
• Off sales are permitted but must be in sealed containers.
• Suitable beverages other than alcohol (including drinking water) shall be equally available for consumption.
• The premises will operate the 'Challenge 25' proof of age scheme[^2]. [^2]: Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (photographic ID, a passport or a driving licence) if they wish to buy alcohol.

Environmental Health Representation

The report pack included a representation from Ash Shah of Environmental Health, stating that they had no objections to the licence apart from the inclusion of one element to help with the protection of children from harm.

Ash Shah suggested that the following condition should be added:

Refusals Book: The licensee to keep a register of refused sales of all age- restricted products (Refusals Book). The refusals book to contain details of time and date, description of the attempting purchaser, description of the age restricted products they attempted to purchase, reason why the sale was refused and the name/signature of the sales person refusing the sale. The Refusals book to be examined on a regular basis by the Licensee and date and time of each examination to be endorsed in the book. The Refusals Book to be kept on the licensed premises and made available for inspection by the Licensing Officer, Trading Standards or the Police.

Agent's response to objections

The report pack included a letter from Rob Edge, Director of Licence Leader Ltd, the licensing agent acting on behalf of Marilyn Nwokemodo, responding to the objections received.

Rob Edge stated that Marilyn Nwokemodo is a very responsible operator and reputable business person, who has recently taken over the premises.

Rob Edge also stated that the operating schedule for this application contains very robust conditions, to evidence that they have listened to the concerns raised in relation to the application, and that the applicant will ensure that the following policies are fully implemented and adhered to:

• Staff training in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003[^3]. [^3]: The Licensing Act 2003 is an Act of Parliament that regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment.
• A robust licensing compliance pack consisting of:
  • Refusals log
  • Staff Training log
  • DPS Authorisations sheet
  • Challenge 25 posters
  • Signage

Rob Edge noted that there were no objections by any of the Responsible Authorities, demonstrating their confidence in this premises licence application.

Temporary Event Notices

The Licensing Sub Committee was also scheduled to consider two applications for Temporary Event Notices (TENs)¹.

Chez Nicky, 295 West Green Road, London N15

The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a TEN objection for Chez Nicky, 295 West Green Road London N15.

Pirates Grog Rum

The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a TEN objection for Pirates Grog Rum.