The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council met on Monday 17 November 2025 to consider a new premises licence application for JJ Supermarket. The committee granted the application with amended conditions and the withdrawal of the late-night refreshment element, aiming to uphold licensing objectives.

New Premises Licence Application for JJ Supermarket

The Sub-Committee heard and determined a new premises licence application for JJ Supermarket, located at 539-541 Barking Road, Plaistow, E13 9EZ. The applicant, JJS London limited, sought permission for the supply of alcohol (off-sales) from Sunday to Thursday between 07:00 and 23:59, and Friday to Saturday from 07:00 to 02:00. They also applied for late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 05:00 daily, with the premises open 24 hours a day.

Representations were received from the Council Commercial Environmental Health Team and the Licensing Enforcement Team, both raising concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Nine local residents also submitted representations on similar grounds, citing issues with street drinking, anti-social behaviour, litter, and noise. While these residents did not attend the hearing to elaborate on their concerns, their written objections were carefully considered.

The Sub-Committee took into account the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, the Public Sector Equality Duty, and guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003. They also considered the location of the premises within the Canning Town & Star Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)¹, which is an area identified as having a high concentration of licensed premises and associated issues.

After careful deliberation, the Sub-Committee resolved to grant the premises licence with a set of amended conditions and the withdrawal of the late-night refreshment application. These conditions were designed to promote the licensing objectives and were considered reasonable and proportionate for a premises within a CIZ.

The key conditions imposed include:

• Alcohol Strength and Packaging: No stout, beer, lager, or cider exceeding 6% ABV will be stocked, exposed for sale, or sold. There will be no sales of single cans or bottles of these beverages, and spirits will only be sold in bottles of 35cl or larger.
• Staff Training: Licensing training will be provided to staff at six-month intervals by a professional organisation.
• Premises Usage: Only 20% of the premises will be used for selling alcohol.
• CCTV: A comprehensive CCTV system will be installed, recording at all times the premises is open to the public. It will cover all public areas, including the immediate exterior, and record head and shoulders images at the entrance. Staff will be trained in its use, and images will be available to the Police or Authorised Officers within 24 hours. The system will retain images for a minimum of 31 days, with correct time and date stamps, and be kept securely. Weekly checks will ensure functionality.
• Operating Hours: The premises will operate with alcohol sales from 7 am to midnight, seven days a week.
• Premises Plan: A revised premises plan accurately reflecting the floor plan must be submitted within 14 days of the decision.
• Age Verification: A 'Challenge 25' scheme will be implemented, with staff trained to check physical identification. Accepted forms of proof of age include 'Pass' hologram cards, UK photo driving licences, passports, and military ID.
• Refusal Register: A register will be maintained to record all alcohol sale refusals, including attempted underage sales, proxy sales, and refusals to intoxicated individuals. This register will be available for immediate inspection by authorised officers and retained for 12 months.

The Sub-Committee was persuaded by the applicant's representative's explanations and the proposed conditions, which addressed the concerns raised by responsible authorities and residents. The reduction in operating hours and the withdrawal of the late-night refreshment application were seen as crucial steps in allaying fears about undermining the licensing objectives. The panel noted that while residents' concerns were sympathetic, the imposed conditions were deemed sufficient to address potential issues. The decision was made on the balance of probabilities, with no evidence presented to demonstrate that granting the application with these conditions would undermine the licensing objectives. The panel also considered the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998.