The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Mazz Café. The meeting documents also outlined the standard procedures for declarations of interest and confirmation of meeting procedures.

New Premises Licence Application - Mazz Café

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a new premises licence application for Mazz Café, located at 819 Romford Road, E12 6EA, in the Manor Park ward. The application, submitted by Mr. Abdul Sami, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack indicated that one business had made representations against the application, and the applicant had provided a response with evidence of compliance. The premises had not previously held a premises licence, but the Licensing team had been made aware of the premises operating after 11:00 PM without a licence, leading to warning letters and an invitation for an interview under caution.

The application documents detailed the proposed operating schedule, including the hours for late-night refreshment. The applicant stated that the premises is a small café/restaurant primarily serving late-night customers who prefer tea and meals as takeaways.

Representations were made by E12 Chicken Pizza, located at 817 Romford Road, E12 6EA. Their objection was based on concerns regarding public safety, prevention of nuisance, and fair business practice. Specific concerns raised included the premises' small size, lack of proper infrastructure, absence of a proper extraction canopy, and potential fire hazards due to onsite cooking with gas cylinders. They also noted the lack of a customer toilet, issues with waste disposal, and questioned whether the premises held appropriate planning permission for late-night trading or onsite cooking. The objectors also highlighted concerns about late-night trading attracting noise, littering, anti-social behaviour, and traffic congestion, which they felt were unsuitable for a mixed residential area. Furthermore, they argued that granting a licence to a non-compliant business would create unfair competition for fully licensed businesses.

In response, Mr. Abdul Sami, the owner of Mazz Café & Street Food, provided documentation to address the concerns. This included a valid LPG Safety Certificate, a Pest Control Certificate, and confirmation of a commercial bin collection agreement with Newham Council. He stated that their cooking does not involve deep frying and therefore no oil wastage. Mr. Sami also noted that they had previously operated late nights under Temporary Event Notices without any reported anti-social behaviour or public nuisance. He requested that the Sub-Committee consider their application favourably, providing evidence of their commitment to public safety, hygiene, and environmental responsibility.

The report pack also included information from the planning department, a plan of the premises, and a map with a street view. The proposed conditions for the licence included requirements for CCTV, an incident book, prohibition of bringing alcohol onto the premises, clearing the premises by 3:00 AM daily, restrictions on unaccompanied children under 16 after 9:00 PM, and measures to control noise.

Additionally, the report pack contained information regarding previous planning contravention notices served on Unit 1 and Unit 2 at 819 Romford Road, relating to suspected breaches of planning control concerning the change of use to a hot food takeaway business. One notice was served on Abdul Sami for Unit 1, indicating suspected unlicensed late-night refreshment sales and a material change of use. Another notice was served on Henny Penny Ltd for Unit 2, also related to a suspected material change of use to a hot food takeaway business. A planning permission decision from 2018 for Unit 1, 819 Romford Road, granted a change of use from A1 (shop) to mixed use (A1 shop and A3 restaurant/cafe) with conditions relating to ventilation, grease traps, sound insulation, waste management, and opening hours.