Haringey residents have raised concerns about safety following an application for a new premises licence for De Mamas Kitchen Woodgreen. The Licensing Sub Committee met on Thursday 14 August 2025 to discuss the application, which seeks permission for recorded music and the sale of alcohol at the premises located at 24-26 Commerce Road, Wood Green. The Public reports pack notes that at least one individual objecting to the application already holds a licence to sell alcohol in the area.
The application requests permission for recorded music and alcohol sales from 10:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. The proposed opening hours are 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 23:00 on Sundays. The Public reports pack indicates the premises is in a predominantly residential area.
Resident Representations
Several residents voiced their worries about the potential impact of the licence on the neighbourhood. One Commerce Road resident stated that De Mama' Kichen & Afro Grocery Shop was turning into a gathering place for disruptive and dangerous individuals that serves alcohol, and that there have already been several incidents of violence, including armed conflict, in this area.
The resident also complained about loud music disturbing their sleep and peace of mind.
Cinar Sahin, a resident of Basil Spence, also objected to the licence, stating: I don't want De Mamas Kitchen to get an alcohol license. Because this street is not safe and I am worried about my own safety.
Sahin added that the street is unsuitable for music and alcohol at night because it is a side street and should be quiet.
Musa Binboga echoed these concerns, stating that while they were not against opening a new restaurant, the presence of alcohol in a restaurant makes me and my customers nervous, because this area is not a very safe area and there have been armed conflict and big fights before.
Police and Environmental Health
Despite resident concerns, PC Adriana Costache, North Area Licensing Officer, stated that the police agreed with the requested timings and the premises supplying alcohol on and off the premises. PC Costache suggested several conditions to be added to the operating schedule, including CCTV installation, an incident and refusal log, a minimum of three staff members present between 19:00 and closing, and a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs.
Ash Shah of Environmental Health had no objections to the licence, apart from the inclusion of one element to help with the protection of children from harm. They suggested adding a condition requiring the licensee to keep a register of refused sales of all age-restricted products, including details of the attempted purchaser, the products they tried to buy, the reason for refusal, and the salesperson's information.
Agent's Response
Rob Edge, Director of Licence Leader Ltd, the licensing agent for Marilyn Nwokemodo, responded to the objections by stating that Marilyn Nwokemodo is a very responsible operator and reputable business person, who has recently taken over the premises. Edge also stated that the operating schedule contains robust conditions and that the applicant will implement policies including staff training, a refusals log, and Challenge 25 posters.
The Challenge 25 scheme encourages anyone who looks under 25 to carry ID to prove they are over 18 when buying alcohol. Age-restricted products sold at the premises include liqueur chocolates.
Edge noted that there were no objections from any of the Responsible Authorities, demonstrating their confidence in the application.
The Licensing Sub Committee will now consider the representations and decide whether to grant the application as requested, grant it with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application in whole or in part. A written decision will be provided within five working days of the meeting.
