Agenda item
Application to Review the Premises Licence for Perfect Fried Chicken, 214 Mile End Road London E1 4LJ (LSC 08/011)
Minutes:
At the request of the Chair, Mr Nick Kemp, introduced the report which detailed the application for a review of the premises license for Perfect Fried Chicken, 214 Mile End Road, London E1 4LJ. It was noted that the review had been triggered by the Metropolitan Police.
At the request of the chair, PC Alan Cruickshank on behalf of Metropolitan Police referred to his statement on pages 284-286. He highlighted the incidents which had taken place, involving extremely violent attacks it was noted that on all occasions the CCTV camera was either not working or staff were not able to download images. As a result officers went to speak to the Premises License Holders and reminded them of the conditions attached to the license one of which is to have CCTV cameras in operation whilst there are licensable activities.
He then highlighted a recent incident on 1st May 2010 at 04:19, when police were called outside the premises where a male had been stabbed. It was noted that the victim and his brother were in the premises eating when a male entered and started arguing and then told him to come outside which is when the assault took place. It was noted that yet again the CCTV camera was not working and the premises was open past its closing hours of 03:00 hours. Mr Cruickshank explained that even if CCTV cameras were working there was no staff on duty whom could have downloaded the images. The Police Officers spoke to both Premise License Holders again, Ms Salima Khatun, Premises License Holder informed Police Officers that cameras were not working and would be fixed by 6th May 2010. Again there was confusion about the closing hours as Mr Kabir Ahmed, Premise License Holder believed that he should stop serving at 03:00 hours and then his customers could take as long as they needed to finish eating. Ms Khatun offered to employ one SIA door supervisor on busy nights. Mr Cruickshank then referred to the petition in support of the premises submitted on behalf of the Premises License Holders and highlighted that there was no addresses and had frivolous comments on them, therefore asked member to consider what weight to give them.
Mr Cruickshank concluded by stating that overall there had been five serious incidents of crime and disorder, resulting in either GBH or ABH on the victims. There have been a clear breach of the CCTV conditions and the premises had been open past its licensed hours. The lack of CCTV cameras has stopped the early identification of any suspects and by operating after hours, disorder had occurred in the shop also leading to assaults outside in the street. He therefore urged Members to consider removing their late night refreshments license.
In response to a question by a Member it was noted that no one was trained to download CCTV footage and level of CCTV compliance was low.
Maria Guida, Legal Representative for the Premises License Holders explained that the Premises License Holders do take the police officers concerns seriously and explained that they both and one other staff are able to download images from CCTV cameras.
M Guida explained that Mr Ahmed and Ms Khatun were very hard working and wanted to work with the police by taking every step to minimise and prevent these incidents from happening again. She explained that there have been no incidents since May 2010. Ms Guida then put forward suggested conditions including one which suggests that the supply of food would cease 30 minutes before the closing time and at 03:00 hours customers would be strictly told to leave. Also another condition suggested was that there would be two SIA door supervisors on duty on Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00 hours to 03:00 hours.
It was also noted that Ms Khatun would have staff trained on anti-social behaviour and how to handle difficult situations so therefore the Premises License Holders were investing time and money to help and work with police. Ms Khatun asked Members for another chance and highlighted that there had been no incidents since May 2010.
Mr Ahmed Hussian, in support of the premises explained that Mr Ahmed and Ms Khatun were very hard working and highlighted that they lacked knowledge of opening hours. He explained that he worked locally and visited all the shops on the parade on a regular basis and concerns of anti-social behaviour were common in all shops. He stated that incidents occurred outside the premises should not be associated with the premises and suggested that there should be more patrols made by the police in the area.
The Chair opened up for questions.
In response to questions it was noted that there had been five serious incidents, which all took place over the weekend. Members asked questions about staff training, the CCTV camera facility and how it can be down loaded. Ms Khatun explained that there previous contact for CCTV cameras did not allow for staff to download images and that any request for download would have to be done by the company.
It was noted that the timings and CCTV conditions were now clear to the Premises License Holders. Ms Khatun explained that even if CCTV camera images were not available during the time of the incident it could have been available the next day if Police had requested it.
Ms Guida confirmed that they would stop supplying food at 02.30 hours and customers would be asked to leave at 03:00 hours. It was noted that CCTV cameras were positioned facing the door and it was confirmed that it captured the full image of people entering the shop. It was noted that the role of SIA door supervisors was for the safety of customers and to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The Chair advised that the Sub Committee would at 8.15pm adjourn to consider the evidence presented. The Members reconvened at 8.40pm. The Chair reported that;
Members listened carefully to the representations both for and against the review application. Members were extremely concerned that licensing conditions had been wilfully misunderstood. Members were also concerned regarding the nature of the assaults and noted that these incidents generally occurred after 2am.
Members thought long and hard but on balance considered that the licence should not be revoked but due to the mismanagement of the premises it is considered that the hours on Friday and Saturday should be reduced to 2am.
RESOLVED
That the review application for the Perfect Fried Chicken, 214 Mile End Road, London E1 4LJ be GRANTED in part with the reduction in hours and the following conditions;
The Provision of Late Night Refreshments
Monday to Saturday from 23:00 hours – 02:00 hours
Hours Premises Open to the Public
Monday to Saturday from 12:00 hours – 02:00 hours
Sunday from 12:00 hours – 23:00 hours
Conditions
- Children under the age of 10 shall be accompanied by an adult
- The premise is required to have CCTV cameras installed, covering the premises internally and externally
- That the CCTV system should incorporate a recording facility and any recording should be retained and stored in a suitable and secure manner for a minimum of 31 days. A system should be in place to maintain the quality of the recorded image and a complete audit trail maintained. The CCTV system shall continually record whilst the premises is open for licensable activities and during all times when customers remain on the premises. Recordings shall be made available immediately upon the request of Police or authorised officer throughout the preceding 31 day period.
- A staff member from the premises who is fully conversant with the operation of the CCTV system shall be on the premises at all times when the premises are open to the public. This staff member shall be able to show Police or authorised officer recent data or footage with the absolute minimum of delay when requested.
- A minimum of 2 SIA door supervisors shall be on duty within the premises from 23:00 hours on Fridays and Saturdays and shall remain on duty within the premises until customers have left the premises and doors have been locked.
- That customers should use no metal cutlery after 22:00 hours.
- That there should be an increase in signage for the appropriate disposal of litter.
- The supply of food shall cease 30 minutes before closing time and all patrons will be asked to leave at the appropriate time so that the premises shall close promptly and on time.
- Notices shall be prominently displayed at the exit requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and the area quietly.
Supporting documents:
- Prefect Fried Chicken cover report, item 4.3 PDF 77 KB
- Perfect Fried Chicken part 1, item 4.3 PDF 689 KB
- Perfect Fried Chicken part 2, item 4.3 PDF 2 MB