A Newham Council licensing hearing for a new premises licence application at 43a Water Lane, Stratford, was adjourned due to a misunderstanding of the hearing date by the applicant's solicitor.
The Licensing Act Subcommittee was scheduled to consider the application for an off-licence convenience store, which would sell wines, beers, and other bottled alcoholic drinks for consumption off the premises, alongside groceries and household items. The proposed opening hours for the supply of alcohol were initially 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Sundays. However, the applicant later agreed to amended hours of Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, was adjourned shortly after it began. Councillor Syed Naqvi, Chair of the Subcommittee, stated that the applicant and their solicitor had misinterpreted the email regarding the hearing date. Colin Hunt, the case officer, confirmed that the applicant's solicitor had contacted him late the previous night, indicating a misunderstanding of the scheduled date.
Legal advisor Umair Malik advised that it would not be in the public interest to proceed in the applicant's absence, as the committee would be unable to adequately test the applicant's understanding of their own application. Jane Keating, a resident of Mountby Grove, who lives near the proposed premises, agreed with the adjournment.
With 14 objections filed against the application, the committee decided it was not in the public interest to proceed without the applicant present. The objections were based on the licensing objectives of Crime and Disorder, The Prevention of Public Nuisance, Protection of Children from Harm, and Public Safety. Concerns were raised about the potential for the sale of high-strength alcohol, single cans and bottles, and miniature spirit bottles to attract street drinkers and increase anti-social activities, littering, and public urination. The Commercial Environmental Health Team also expressed concern that the applicant had not provided information on the types and strengths of alcohol to be sold, which could lead to increased street drinking and associated issues. These concerns align with typical grounds for objection in Newham premises licence applications.
The applicant also proposed to sell premium or specialist craft products, such as Desperados (5.9% ABV), and similar products agreed with the Licensing Authority. However, no beers, lagers, ciders, or stouts above 5.5% ABV were to be sold, except for these premium or specialist products. Furthermore, they proposed no single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider, and no miniature spirit bottles below 20cl.
The potential impacts on the local community, particularly residents, that prompted these objections include concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. While the University of East London is a nearby institution, the specific concerns raised do not directly detail impacts on the university itself, but rather on residents and the general local area.
The hearing has been provisionally rescheduled for August 5, 2026, to allow the applicant or their agent to attend and present their case, and for any residents who made representations to also be present. At the rescheduled hearing, the Licensing Act Subcommittee will evaluate the application based on the four licensing objectives, the applicant's understanding of their application, and any representations made. Members may seek clarification and ask questions of all parties involved.
The applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties may appeal against the decision made at the hearing to the Magistrates Court within 21 days, whether the licence is granted or refused.
See the Public reports pack for the Licensing Act Sub-Committee meeting on 8th July 2026 for more details.
See the Agenda frontsheet for the Licensing Act Sub-Committee meeting on 8th July 2026 for more information.