The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 23 January 2026 was adjourned to allow members to conduct a site visit to the Palms Hotel. The committee will reconvene on 10 February 2026 to hear representations and make a determination on the premises licence application for Boka by Palms.

Premises Licence Application for The Palms Hotel (Boka by Palms)

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for Boka by Palms, located at The Palms Hotel, Southend Arterial Road, Hornchurch, RM11 3UJ. The application was made by Boka By Palms Ltd.

Key Discussions and Decisions:

• Adjournment for Site Visit: The primary decision of the meeting was to adjourn the hearing to allow the subcommittee members to conduct a site visit. This was deemed necessary for the members to gain a full understanding of the premises, the licensing maps, and the general operation of the licence within the shared premises. The adjournment was considered to be in the public interest, balancing the need for a thorough understanding against the additional costs incurred by the applicant.
• Blue Notice Discrepancy: An initial discussion arose regarding a discrepancy between the hours advertised on the blue notice (public notice) and the hours detailed in the application. The legal advisor clarified that amendments made during mediation would not be reflected on the blue notice. The subcommittee sought to clarify the exact hours being applied for to ensure the consultation period accurately reflected the application.
• Proposed Hours and Licensing Policy: The applicant sought extended hours for late-night refreshment and the supply of alcohol, which exceeded the Havering Licensing Policy guidelines for restaurants. Representations from the Licensing Authority, Police, and Environmental Health raised concerns about these extended hours, particularly in relation to the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance.
• Outdoor Area Concerns: Representations from the Police and Licensing Authority highlighted a lack of clarity regarding the intended use of the external area and concerns about inadequate conditions to uphold licensing objectives. The Police noted that conditions applied to the indoor restaurant area were not mirrored in the outdoor area, leading to uncertainty about its operation.
• Previous Incident: The meeting documents referenced a serious incident in summer 2025 at the Palms Hotel, involving an attack in the lobby. This incident had led to previous discussions between the Police, Council, and hotel owners to update the existing premises licence. A proposed minor variation to the licence, which included a condition limiting dry-hires, was not agreed upon.
• Proposed Conditions and Operating Schedule: The applicant submitted proposed conditions and an operating schedule for Boka by Palms. These detailed the licensable activities, proposed hours, and general conditions for both the indoor restaurant and outdoor areas. The proposed hours for the supply of alcohol and late-night refreshment extended beyond the council's licensing policy.
• Environmental Health Concerns: Mike Richardson, Team Leader for Environmental Health, expressed concerns about the terminal hours requested, stating they were beyond the council's licensing policy and more akin to late-night venues. He echoed concerns about potential noise from customers leaving the premises, particularly when the ambient noise from the A127 Southend Arterial Road is reduced. He suggested that additional controls would be needed to justify exceptions to the licensing policy.
• Police Concerns: PC Chris Stockman of the Metropolitan Police raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the use of the outside area and the conditions in place for it. He noted that the proposed hours were outside the Havering Licensing Policy for a restaurant and were more consistent with late-night venues, increasing the risk of alcohol-related crime and disorder.
• Applicant's Response: David Morbin, Managing Director of Boka by Palms, explained that the business model for the restaurant alone was not currently viable and that the outdoor area was intended to be an extension of the restaurant, offering a pleasant dining and drinking space during warmer months. He emphasized that their operation was separate from the hotel's events and that they sought their own licence with appropriate conditions. He also addressed concerns about the previous incident, stating it was unrelated to Boka by Palms' spaces and operations.

Outcome:

The subcommittee decided to adjourn the hearing to allow for a site visit. The hearing was scheduled to reconvene on 10 February 2026 to hear further representations and make a determination on the premises licence application. The site visit was to be arranged by Mr. Paul Jones, Public Protection Officer.