A Walthamstow pub owner has been urged to work more closely with neighbouring businesses and residents to address late-night issues, following a decision by Waltham Forest Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee.
The committee granted a premises licence to TBC Sheperds Bush, located at 395 Hoe Street, allowing for late-night refreshment and public opening hours from Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 02:00.
However, the committee added two specific recommendations to the licence. The applicant has been asked to discuss with local, late-night business owners how they can jointly monitor delivery drivers to prevent nuisance. These measures include displaying clear notices requesting drivers not to loiter outside, ensuring drivers with no orders wait inside or are sent away from residential areas, and managing drivers to prevent nuisance. Furthermore, delivery drivers will be required to dismount their vehicles before stepping onto the pavement if parking near the shop, and deliveries must only be made to residential or business addresses, not public spaces.
Additionally, the owner is to proactively engage with their nearest neighbours and provide a point of contact for any issues. The exact details of this point of contact and the communication method beyond proactive engagement were not specified in the meeting information.
These recommendations came after seven representations were received from local residents during the consultation period. Concerns raised included potential noise and disturbance from customers leaving the premises late at night, delivery driver activity, and litter. Residents also expressed worries about public nuisance, public safety, the protection of children from harm, and the prevention of crime and disorder. The expected impact on the immediate neighbourhood's atmosphere and daily life, as raised by residents, includes potential increases in noise, disturbance, litter, and anti-social behaviour, making it difficult for families, elderly residents, and early risers to enjoy peace and quiet.
The applicant agreed to conditions proposed by the licensing team, which led to the withdrawal of their representation. These conditions covered the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. Specifically, staff will be trained to use the incident book, emergency exits will be clear and unobstructed, fire safety procedures will be in place, and first aid supplies and trained staff will be available. Deliveries must be made to addresses only, and after 23:00, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, except in emergencies.
The sub-committee reviewed the application and the remaining resident representations before deciding to grant the licence in full. The decision letter detailing the reasons for the decision was to be sent to all parties within five working days. Parties have the right to appeal the decision to Thames Magistrates' Court within twenty-one days of notification. Further details on the licensing process can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.
