A dessert shop in Forest Gate has been granted a licence to sell late-night refreshments, despite objections from local residents and council teams. Newham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee approved the application for Dessertz, located at 344C Romford Road, but with reduced hours and added conditions.

The decision was made on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, following a hearing where the Sub-Committee considered an application by Mr Abdul Rahman, director of Dessertz Ltd. The initial license application requested late night refreshments Monday to Sunday from 23:00 to 04:00, with opening times from 14:00 to 04:00. The application faced opposition from the Council's Licensing Enforcement Team, the Commercial Environmental Health Team, and five residents.

The Licensing Enforcement Team submitted a representation against the application on the grounds of crime disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. Their evidence included a warning letter issued to the premises for selling late night refreshment without a license, screenshots of delivery platforms advertising Dessertz, the director's response denying selling hot food after 11 PM, and emails and complaints from residents regarding issues with the premises. The Commercial Environmental Health Team had received two complaints from residents about noise from the premises, including noise from the ice cream shop, customers, mopeds, anti-social behaviour, and groups of people hanging around on foot and in cars. One resident complained about not being able to sleep due to the noise, and another mentioned the business operating until late hours in the morning.

Residents also voiced concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, and inconsiderate parking by customers and delivery drivers. The shop is located within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), meaning there is a presumption that new licence applications will be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate no negative impact on licensing objectives.

Despite these objections, the Sub-Committee was satisfied that the conditions offered by Mr Rahman would address the concerns. Mr Rahman explained that he bought the business in July 2024 and was unaware of the need for a licence to sell hot food after 11pm. He stated that he applied for Temporary Event Notices (TENs) as soon as he found out and then made a full application for a licence. He also said he had spoken to some residents and agreed to reduce his requested hours.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with the following conditions:

  • Late Night Refreshment hours will be:
    • Monday to Thursday 23:00 - 02:00
    • Friday and Saturday 23:00 - 04:00
    • Sunday 23:00 - 03:00
  • CCTV in operation and recording at all times the shop is open.
  • A log book to record all incidents, complaints, and disturbances.
  • All staff trained in their responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003.
  • A notice displayed at the exit instructing customers and delivery drivers to leave quietly.
  • The licensee will monitor noise levels outside the premises.
  • A direct telephone number for the manager will be publicly available.
  • Waste disposal will only take place between 07:00 and 23:00.
  • The premises will stop taking orders for food 15 minutes before closing time.
  • After midnight the premises will only serve delivery drivers and will not be open to the public.
  • There will be no seating inside the shop.
  • The area immediately outside the premises will be kept clean and tidy.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Tonii Wilson, noted that it was unfortunate that none of the residents attended the meeting. They were impressed by Mr Rahman's willingness to compromise and his efforts to address the concerns of the residents and the Responsible Authorities. They found that he had demonstrated that he would be a responsible licence holder and that, with the reduced hours and additional conditions, the licensing objectives would be upheld.

Parties who took part in the hearing may appeal against the decision to the magistrate's court within 21 days.

All staff will be provided with training in relation to the licensing objectives that are commensurate with their duties. Details of their training will be detailed in a personnel file or log book and will refreshed at regular intervals.