URL: https://watford.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7255

Decision Maker: Licensing Sub Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Application by Mr Sayed Sajad Ali,Director for Tastie Buds Limited, Cheat Meals, 24 Market Street, Watford, WD18 0PD

Content: Licensing Authority for Watford Licensing Act 2003 Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005   Notice of Determination     Application Ref No: 25/00773/PRE     Date of hearing: 12 September 2025   Committee members: [Chair]:       Councillor Wenham Councillor Grimston Councillor Burgalio   Officers:                            Kevin Chin - Licensing and Compliance Manager Kerry Musgrave - Lawyer Kerri Marks - Strategic Project Manager Laura MacMillan - Democratic Service Officer     1. This was an application for a new premises licence in respect of: Cheat Meals, 24 Market Street, Watford   2. The Sub-Committee heard oral evidence from the following witnesses:   1.    John Cooley, Interested Party 2.    Amanda Conlin, Interested Party 3.    Mr Sayed Sajad Ali, Applicant 4.    Mr Mustafa, Applicant 5.    Mr Mojib, Applicant   3. The following persons were also present but took no part in the Hearing:   1. None   4. The Committee also took into account the representations from the following in their absence:   1.    Dave Lynch, Interested Party 2.    Ameera Down, Interested Party 3.    Judy Gilbert, Interested Party 4.    Ruth Cohen, Interested Party 5.    Laurence Cohen, Interested Party 6.    Lynette Rowe, Interested Party 7.    Cllr Aga Dychton, Interested Party 8.    Thusara Ashen, Interested Party   5. The following representation was withdrawn prior to the Hearing:   1. None   6. The Committee took into account the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Section 182 Guidance of the Licensing Act 2023.   Reasons:      These were the relevant sections of the Act for this application.   7. The Committee took into account the following provisions of the Secretary of State's guidance under section 182 of the Act:   Paragraphs: Paragraphs 2.15 - 2.21 Paragraphs 2.24 & 2.25 Paragraph 2.26 Paragraphs 8.41- 8.49 Paragraphs 9.31- 9.41 Paragraphs 9.42 - 9.44 Chapter 10 Paragraph 14.19   Reasons:      These were the relevant paragraphs of the Secretary of State's guidance for this application .   8. The Committee took into account the following provisions of its statement of licensing policy:   Paragraphs: Policy LP1 - Premises definitions Policy LP2 - Location and operation of premises Policy LP6 – Prevention of crime and disorder Policy LP8- Prevention of public nuisance Policy LPll - Representations against applications   Reasons:      These were (This was) the relevant policies (policy) of the Licensing Authority's Statement of Licensing Policy. 2   9. The Committee did not depart from the guidance under section 182 of the Act.   10. The Committee did not make an exception to its statement of licensing policy   11. A full report was made available to the committee members with all submissions from residents. It was noted that there had been no reports from the police regarding criminal activity in the area and the proposed limiting the hours applied for which was agreed by the applicant in advance of the hearing   The Sub-committee read all the information before them, representations against this application received from residents opposing the application.     Evidence   The subcommittee heard evidence from Mr. John Cooley, who stated that he had lived in the area for 20 years and was directly opposite the premises. he raised concerns as set out in his perilous emails, about noise, delivery bikes congregating and blocking the areas around the premises and mentioned that that were already congregates during the day and around the wide pavements before the Travelodge.   Amanda Conlon, a local resident gave evidence along similar lines and also added that there are already problems in the area with drug dealing, and constant noise disturbance. Late night food will attract drunk people and further these problems. People will ignore signs and once they are off the premises there would be no control.   The Applicants addressed the committee, stating that they had 20 outlets in London and had never had any enforcement against them, they were submitted to supporting and working with the local community and offered contact numbers to the residents. They noted that they had been working with the Council, police and environmental health to meet conditions as set out in papers.   The bins were retained in a rear area and only brought out on collection days; there was a dedicated area behind the premises for delivery drivers to collect from.   Residents reiterated their concerns about noise, and Ms. Conlon stated that she felt it was ridiculous and unfair to extend the hours.   The applicant reiterated its cooperation thus far in agreeing conditions, the measures they will have in place to prevent noise, loitering and litter and asked the committee to ensure it made the decision on the facts available to it. It also reminded the committee of its excellent records in operating at other locations and its experience gained from those.   The sub committee decided to grant the licence upon the conditions previously agreed by the applicants and as set out below:    In relation to Public Nuisance:-    With consideration to objections raised about nuisance from noise and refuse and noting the licencing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, and public nuisance public safety and the prevention of children form harm   1. The provision of late-night refreshment shall not be permitted until an extraction system is approved by Watford Council is installed and its use is approved Watford Council.   Hours: The following proposed extended hours will be permitted   2. PREMISES OPENING HOURS: MONDAY- SATURDAY - 1100-0200   3. SUNDAY-1100-0100   4. HOURS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: EVERYDAY 1100-0100 with delivery collections only between 0100 and 0200 Delivery collection provisions: 01:00 to 02:00   5. Delivery drivers will be requested to wait inside the shop for order collection, ensuring a swift handover (food preparation time is limited to five minutes).   6. Delivery vehicles shall switch off their engines whilst stationary and collecting orders for delivery.   7. Delivery vehicle horns shall not be used at any time, except in accordance with the Highway Code.   Nuisance from littering and refuse disposal:   8. No rubbish shall be disposed of in outside receptacles or outside areas between 23.00 to 07.00. 4 /   9. No deliveries shall be made to the premises between 23.00 to 07.00.   10. The Premises Licence holder shall ensure that all windows and doors are closed at 23.00 hours and remain closed until the business reopens the following day, except for immediate access or egress.   11. Rubbish will not be deposited outside the premises between 23:00 and 07:00.   12. After closing, the outside area will be cleared of litter and any refuse associated with the business.   13. Noise reduction:   14. In addition to the disposal of refuse terms set out above,   15. Notices shall be prominently displayed at all exits requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and leave the area quietly.   16. Amplified music shall not be audible beyond the building envelope.   17. After 11 pm, the extractor fan speed will be reduced to further minimise noise.   18. No music or extraneous noise will be played inside the store during licensable activities. Kitchen cleaning will be outsourced to a company starting after 7 am to prevent cleaning during operational hours.   19. Party bookings or birthdays will not be permitted, and no sporting events will be broadcast to prevent gatherings.   20. A dedicated member of staff will patrol the outside area from 11 pm to ensure customers 5 do not congregate or cause noise disturbance.   In relation to prevention of crime and disorder   21. The premises shall install and maintain a CCTV system.   22. All entry, exit and point of sale areas will be covered by the cameras, and   23. the images shall enable frontal identification of every person entering in any light condition .   24. The system shall continually record whilst the premises is open for licensable activities and during all times when staff and customers remain on the premises.   25. All recordings shall be stored for a minimum period of 31 days with date and time stamping.   26. Recordings shall be made available to the Police or an authorised officer of the Licensing Authority upon request throughout the preceding 31 day period,   27. providing that such requests are in connection with the prevention or detection of crime.   28. 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 the Police or an authorised officer of the Licensing Authority data or footage upon request. All faults with the CCTV system shall be repaired as soon as possible and in any case within three working days after which time, if the system is still inoperative no licensable activities shall take place without the agreement of the Watford Police Licensing Unit and the Licensing Authority until the fault is rectified.   29. Children unaccompanied by an adult over 18 years shall not be permitted between 22:00 6 and close on any day.   Signed [Chair]:        Councillor Wenham Councillor Grimston Councillor Buraglio

Date of Decision: September 12, 2025