The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss an application by Lulzim Brati for a new premises licence for Bratty A&A Cafe, located at 530 Rainham Road South, Dagenham. The application was approved, with a condition added that alcohol sales must end at 10pm on Sundays.

Bratty A&A Cafe - Premises Licence Application

Lulzim Brati applied for a new premises licence for Bratty A&A Cafe, seeking permission to sell alcohol from 10am to 10.30pm, Monday to Sunday. The [Brati AA Cafe New Premises Licence Report][Brati AA Cafe New Premises Licence Report.pdf] stated that the council received three representations from interested parties, who raised concerns relating to the licensing objectives¹. Councillors were asked to consider the report, along with any oral submissions, to determine the application.

Objections

Several local residents voiced concerns about the application. Terrence Abbott, a resident living above the premises, expressed concerns about noise, cigarette smoke, and the number of establishments already selling alcohol in the area. He stated:

I now will not be able to go to bed if this gets passed. I will not be able to go to bed until after 11 o'clock every single night, seven days a week, because the shop doesn't close until 11 o'clock at night. That, to me, is late.

Another resident, Terry, raised concerns about construction work taking place outside of permitted hours, potential obstruction of emergency services access, and existing issues with anti-social behaviour in the area. He also raised concerns about a metal structure that had been constructed at the rear of the property without planning permission. He said that granting the licence would contribute to existing problems in the area, stating: We need to reduce the problem. And I think by opening more alcohol establishments, you're not going to reduce the problem.

Applicant's Response

Nursa Varer, agent for the applicant Lulzim Brati, outlined steps that would be taken to support the licensing objectives, including the installation of CCTV cameras. She stated that the cafe would sell alcohol with food only, and that the premises was intended to be a children safe place that would not cause disturbance to neighbours.

Lulzim Brati addressed concerns about construction work, stating that noisy work was finished and that he was happy to close at 10pm on Sundays.

Committee Decision

The committee resolved to approve the application, with a condition that the sale of alcohol would end at 10pm on Sundays. The legal advisor to the subcommittee clarified that the committee's decision related solely to the application under the [Licensing Act 2003][Licensing Act 2003 Premises Licence Variations June 2023.pdf] and the sale of alcohol, and that the committee was unable to consider issues not relevant to the licensing objectives. The legal advisor also noted that no part of the borough suffers from cumulative impact², meaning that they could not consider the cumulative impact of licensed premises on the promotion of the licensing objectives.