A Newham supermarket is facing a licence review following concerns raised by the council's Licensing Enforcement Team. Sri Supermarket, located at 522 Romford Road, Forest Gate, E7 8AF, is under scrutiny after a representation was submitted against its application to vary its premises licence.
The Newham Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to consider the application. The supermarket, whose applicant is Gulam Haider Mohamed Bhai Maknojiya, seeks to remove all existing conditions apart from mandatory and replace with new conditions as per the operating schedule,
according to the committee report.
The Licensing Enforcement Team's representation cites concerns regarding crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. They noted extensive work in the area due to issues raised by residents and business owners about street drinking and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The team fears the proposed conditions could attract street drinkers, particularly the allowance of sales of stronger beers, ales, lagers, and ciders (up to 6% ABV), as well as 20cl spirits.
Further complicating matters, a compliance visit on 21 May 2025 revealed breaches of the current licence conditions. According to the licensing representation, high-strength beers were seized from the premises, and a warning letter was issued, noting failures in staff training and the sale of beer, lager, and cider above the permitted 5.5% ABV. The sub-committee will review Appendix A (Application Form), Appendix C (Current Licence), Appendix D (Plan of the premises) and Appendix E (Map of Area/Street View) as part of their considerations.