A Romford takeaway's bid to extend its opening hours has faced objections from the police, environmental health, and the Havering Licensing Authority.
Geturkish LTD, located at 8 Station Road, Romford, applied for a new premises licence to operate from 11:00 to 02:00 seven days a week, offering hot food and non-alcoholic beverages. The application was discussed at a Havering Council Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 24 July 2025. The full agenda is available online. Agenda frontsheet 24th-Jul-2025 10.30 Licensing Sub-Committee
The Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health, and the Havering Licensing Authority all raised concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety if the licence were granted.
According to the applicant, Ruhul Amin, since operating Geturkish, no complaints have been made to the council or police regarding anti-social behaviour or public nuisance.
PC Chris Stockman of the East Area Licensing Team, Romford Police Station, said a venue operating until 02:00 could lead to an increase in crime and disorder, pose a risk to public safety, and contribute to anti-social behaviour. He noted the applicant did not engage with the police prior to submitting the application. The police suggested amending the closing times to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 on Friday and Saturday, but an agreement could not be reached.
The Havering Licensing Authority also objected, stating that the requested terminal hour of 02:00 was outside the guideline hours defined in Havering's licensing policy. The authority highlighted the proximity of residential properties to the premises and raised concerns about the lack of reference to the premises' planning permission, which restricts the hours of use to 09:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 to 23:00 on Sunday and public/bank holidays.
Paul Jones, Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, said premises providing late-night refreshment attract customers who may be under the influence of alcohol, which could adversely impact the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.
Mike Richardson, Team Leader, Environmental Health (Environmental Protection), raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance from the Geturkish premises. He proposed conditions to be attached to the operating schedule, including:
- All supplier deliveries are strictly scheduled between the hours of 08:00-18:30 Monday-Saturday, with no deliveries to the site on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
- Staff are trained to minimise noise, avoid idling engines, and manage waste and dispatches quietly and respectfully.
- Delivery drivers are not permitted to loiter near the premises, and collection is managed efficiently to prevent disruption.
Despite these proposed conditions, Mr Richardson remained unconvinced that extending the opening hours until 02:00 would not cause a public nuisance, maintaining his objection to the application. He stated that the footfall at 01:30 hours is not significant, and therefore disagreed with the applicant regarding the natural footfall and late-night activity in the area. He believed that opening the premises at that time would generate more activity.
During the meeting, Councillor Jane Keane, licensing chair, clarified the procedure for the hearing. Councillors Philippa Crowder and Christine Smith also attended the meeting.
The sub-committee granted the application but reduced the hours. The applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the magistrates court within 21 days of notification of that decision.
