Issue - meetings

To consider an application to allow Provision of Regulated Entertainment, Provision of Late Night Refreshment and Supply of Alcohol at the premises.

For the Licensing Team, Robin Payne introduced the report on the application for a new premises licence at El Mezon, 189-191 Broad Lane, Tottenham, and Derek Pearce, Enforcement Response, outlined the proposed conditions, as set out on pages 47 to 48 of the agenda pack.

Three local residents spoke in objection to the application, and raised concerns regarding noise, an increase in crime and disorder, litter and broken glass, smoking, parking in the area, public urination and other antisocial behaviour. The residents stated that they had no objection to the principle of licensing a restaurant operating for normal hours, but were concerned about the very late hours applied for and the impact this would have on local residents. Concerns were also raised that people would try to use the entrance onto Antill Road, as this was more obvious than the entrance from Broad Lane, which would cause a disturbance to residents on Antill Road. There was a further concern that people would use Antill Road to stand outside and smoke.

The applicants addressed the Committee and stated that they needed a licence in order to be able to serve drinks with meals in the restaurant. They confirmed that they had no intention of operating the premises as a nightclub, and that it would be a family restaurant with occasional small private functions in the evening; the hours applied for in the licence were to ensure that they could accommodate such parties without breaching any regulations. It was noted that, as the events would be private functions, those attending would know that the correct entrance was via Broad Lane.

In response to questions from the Committee, the applicant confirmed that, in the evening, access to the premises would be via Broad Lane and through a corridor within the premises. It was confirmed that the other business units within the building would be secured and that there would be no access to these for customers entering the premises via this route. It was also confirmed that up until 10pm the restaurant would be open to the public, but that any evening functions taking place after the restaurant closed would be for invited guests only.  

Robin Payne asked for clarification of the plans that had been shown to the fire officer, as the plans in the agenda pack did not show the whole area of the premises. It was agreed that any licence, if granted, would be made conditional on confirmation being obtained from the fire officer that they had seen the full plans and had no objection. In response to a question from a local resident, the legal officer confirmed that there was a right to appeal the decision of the Committee to the Magistrates Court.

In summing up, residents emphasised their concerns regarding the opening hours, noise breakout when doors were opened, smokers using Antill Road, litter and the risk to local residents. The applicant summed up by saying they did not intend to open as late as applied for,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12