Redbridge Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is facing strong opposition to a new premises licence application for Brothers Lounge Restaurant, due to concerns over the operation of a shisha bar without proper planning permission and potential breaches of public health regulations.
The application, submitted by Kaplan Consulting UK on behalf of Niko Dauti for the restaurant located at 190-192 Longwood Gardens, Clayhall, Ilford, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. However, the application has drawn significant objections from local residents, councillors, and responsible authorities, primarily due to the ongoing operation of a shisha lounge at the rear of the premises.
Councillor Martin Sachs has raised concerns that the premises is operating as a shisha bar without the necessary planning permission. He stated that the applicant appears to be concealing this fact, suggesting a lack of transparency and trustworthiness. Councillor Judith Garfield also lodged a representation, citing concerns about an increased risk of anti-social behaviour, particularly during evening and night hours
, potential for public disorder incidents involving intoxicated patrons
, and a potential increase in petty crime and vandalism in the local area with huge community impact
. Mark Santos also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour
and low-level crime
.
Responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, the Community Protection Tasking force, Environmental Health, and the Licensing Enforcement Team, have also objected to the application. The Metropolitan Police referenced a previous licensing hearing in July 2022 where a similar application from the same applicant was refused due to unlawful operation as a shisha lounge, contravening the Health Act 2006. They argue that the applicant cannot be trusted to comply with regulations.
The Community Protection Team raised concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. They have suggested reduced terminal hours and additional conditions if a licence is granted. The Environmental Health Officer highlighted breaches of the Health Act 2006 and The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006, as the premises does not comply with the 50% open area rule for smoking areas. The Licensing Enforcement Team stated that the premises are committing offences under the Health Act 2006 because they continue to allow shisha and other smoking to take place from within their premises whilst knowingly putting their customers at risk.
April Smart, Senior Noise Nuisance Officer, suggested several conditions including reduced hours (closing at 21:00), noise limits, notices requesting patrons to be quiet, a direct telephone number for the manager available to residents, alcohol only served with a substantial table meal, waiter service only, supervision of the smoking area, and preventing fumes or odours from causing a nuisance.
The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the application, taking into account the representations from all parties and the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. The committee has the authority to grant, grant with conditions, grant in part, or reject the application.
The public reports pack for the meeting outlines the licensing objectives and policy considerations, including the council's Statement of Licensing Policy and framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Barkingside area. The framework hours for licensed restaurants and cafes in the Barkingside area are:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00-23:30 hours
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00-00:00 hours
- Sunday: 11:00-23:00 hours
The Brothers Lounge Restaurant application requests the following hours for the supply of alcohol:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 until 23:00
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 until 00:00
The proposed opening hours are:
- Sunday to Thursday: 07:00 until 23:30
- Friday and Saturday: 07:00 until 00:30
The application is within the framework hours for the sale of alcohol, but the proposed opening hours extend beyond the framework hours. The agenda also includes discussion of the procedure for licensing hearings and results of appeals.
The outcome of the hearing will be closely watched by local residents and businesses, as it could set a precedent for similar establishments in the area.
