The Licensing Sub-Committee, composed of Councillor Zulfiqar Hussain, Councillor Saira Y. Jamil, and Councillor Jamal Uddin, will convene to discuss licensing matters. A key item on the agenda is an application to vary a premises licence for Matts BBQ, with considerations spanning from crime and disorder to public safety. The committee will also discuss the procedure for licensing hearings.

Matts BBQ Premises Licence Variation

The main focus of the meeting will be the application submitted by Matthuw Robinson, director of Matts BBQ Limited, to vary the premises licence No. 085327 for Matts BBQ, located at Forest Road Playing Fields, Forest Road, Hainault, IG6 3HJ.

Currently, the licence permits the use of an open area within Forest Road Playing Fields for two three-day food, drink, and music festivals annually. The existing licence allows for:

• Live music, recorded music, and dance performances:
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 to 23:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 to 22:00
• Sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises:
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 to 22:30
  • Sunday: 12:00 to 21:30
• Opening hours:
  • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 to 23:30
  • Sunday: 12:00 to 22:30

The proposed variation seeks to:

• Increase the number of permitted events from one to two three-day (weekend) events each year.
• Raise the venue capacity from 4,999 to 14,999 persons.
• Amend conditions related to security levels and the 'over 18 only' restriction, to allow family oriented event days.

The report pack includes the following statement regarding the proposed changes to conditions on the licence:

The licence-holder would wish to enhance this condition to ensure a written Risk Assessment of the required number of stewards is undertaken and that Security SIA staff are then provided in accordance with that Risk Assessment, or at the levels recommended under the 'Purple Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Outdoor Events' , whichever is the greater.

Representations concerning the application have been received from the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, as well as three representations from other persons. The Licensing Enforcement Team has raised concerns that granting the variation could undermine the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. The three representations from other persons also object to the licence application on the basis that the licensing objectives could be undermined if the variation to the licence is granted.

The Sub-Committee is presented with several options, including granting the application in whole, granting it with modifications, granting it in part, or rejecting it entirely.

Procedure for Licensing Hearings

The Sub-Committee will also discuss the procedure for licensing hearings, which includes the following steps:

1. The Chair of the Sub Committee will explain the procedure to be adopted at the hearing.
2. An officer of the Licensing Authority will present a short factual summary of the application.
3. The Sub Committee will consider evidence from the applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties, with opportunities for questioning by all parties and members.
4. Each party will be given an opportunity to sum up their case.
5. The Sub Committee will then decide the matter in private.
6. Official notice of the decision will be sent to all parties within 5 working days.

Results of Appeals

The report pack notes that the committee will receive information on the results of any appeals, but does not provide any further information.