A Romford restaurant's plans to host a wedding celebration with extended hours are facing scrutiny due to noise concerns raised by local authorities.
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council convened on Friday, August 8, 2025, to review a temporary event notice (TEN) application submitted by Astrit Kurtaj of Meteor Restaurant Ltd, located on Main Road. The application requested an extension of the restaurant's licensing hours for a wedding on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 19:00 to 04:00 the following morning. This would include the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment for a wedding celebration for up to 80 guests, the stated capacity of the restaurant.
However, the application has met with objections from both the police and Havering's Noise Team.
PC Chris Stockman of the East Area Licensing Team, representing the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, submitted a representation citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. The police highlighted the potential for increased intoxication leading to disturbances and violent crime, given the proposed nine hours of alcohol service. They also noted the proximity of residential premises, including Gidea Lodge, an elderly persons' home to the rear of the restaurant, and the potential for noise nuisance from intoxicated guests and taxis at 4:00 am.
Mr George Charles Pater, a Public Protection Officer for the London Borough of Havering, also objected to the TEN, citing the high likelihood of statutory nuisance due to amplified music without a Noise Management Plan (NMP) and a lack of measures to mitigate noise from patrons leaving the premises in the early morning. Pater noted that there are residential properties in the immediate vicinity, which further heightens the potential for noise disturbance.
It was noted that the application did not include a Noise Management Plan (NMP) or any specific measures to mitigate noise and prevent public nuisance.
The sub-committee, comprised of Councillor Philippa Crowder and Councillor Christine Smith, has the authority to modify the conditions of the license or reject the whole or part of the application, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. Possible modifications could include adjustments to the permitted hours or stricter noise control measures. The Report of the Clerk outlined the procedure for the hearing, emphasizing the importance of the licensing objectives:
The prevention of crime and disorder;
Public safety;
The prevention of public nuisance; and
The protection of children from harm.
The sub-committee will now deliberate on the evidence presented and determine whether to approve, modify, or reject the TEN application. The decision will take into account the concerns raised by the police and the Noise Team, as well as the potential impact on local residents. The meeting information does not provide any history of noise complaints related to the Meteor Restaurant.
