Berwick Manor Hotel has lost its rights to host licensable activities in its outdoor areas following a decision by Havering Council's Licensing Sub-Committee. The ruling came after numerous complaints from local residents regarding noise and public nuisance.
The committee decided to impose a condition prohibiting any licensable activities in the outside areas of the premises, which addresses the core of the complaints regarding amplified music and noise emanating from the garden and any associated structures. The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) has also been removed from the licence.
The review was initiated by Mr George Pater, a Public Protection Officer for Havering Council, who cited breaches of a noise abatement notice and public nuisance witnessed by environmental health officers. The meeting information details a history of noise complaints dating back to 2021. A noise abatement notice was served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on 6 September 2025. There was also a previous representation made by the Licensing Authority in 2024 regarding concerns about the external area, which was withdrawn after an agreement was reached. A formal warning letter was also issued to the premises on 1 October 2025.
Officers noted failures to adhere to agreed noise control measures, including the non-use of a noise limiter in August 2025, which led to a statutory nuisance being witnessed and a noise abatement notice being served. Despite agreements, noise management plans, and sound limiters, residents continued to experience disturbances. Specifically, officers noted failures to adhere to agreed noise control measures, including the non-use of a noise limiter in August 2025. It was also noted that speaker positions had been altered, and noise management measures were not preventing disturbance beyond the site boundary. Further observations in May and June 2026 indicated that amplified music was still audible in residential areas, causing material interference with the enjoyment of nearby properties.
Local residents, Ms Natalie Crisp and Mr James Eaton, provided compelling accounts of the ongoing issues. Mr Eaton described noise that vibrated his house and impacted his family's well-being, alongside instances of anti-social behaviour and dangerous parking linked to event attendees. Ms Crisp echoed these concerns, detailing persistent noise, swearing, and sexual innuendos audible from gardens, as well as issues with attendees urinating in streets and drug paraphernalia being left in cars.
Since the application for review, no contact had been received from the venue to negotiate conditions. Additionally, residents expressed that the premises management had become unapproachable and hostile.
The removal of the DPS, Mr Pareshkumar Arvindbhai Patel, was cited due to his failure to adequately address noise issues and a lack of engagement with responsible authorities. The subcommittee noted that the consequences of removing the DPS mean that the premises will not be allowed to sell alcohol until a new DPS of an acceptable standard is appointed. Failure to appoint a new DPS and continue selling alcohol could lead to further enforcement action.
The full reasons for the decision will be detailed in the written decision notice, and parties have the right to appeal to the magistrate's court within 21 days of notification. Further details can be found in the Public reports pack.
