Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report for an application for a new premises licence for Teatime, 122 Granby Street, Leicester.

Councillor Singh Johal, as Chair led on introductions and outlined the procedure the hearing would follow.

 

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report for an application for a new premises licence for Teatime, 122 Granby Street, Leicester.

 

The application was made by Tea Time Leicester Limited. Its director Mr Mohammed Isaac Chelath Pattanmarilthodi was present together with two others in support. The objectors Sreejith Das, Thomas Tijo Thomas, Mebin Baby, Pradeep Singh, Jaimon Tjibin Joseph, Patricia Alvarez Rendall from local residents and local businesses, and their legal representative Ms Lisa Gilligan, solicitor from Freeths, were present. Also present were the Service Manager (Regulatory Services) and the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee. The Licensing Officer who had prepared the report for the Sub-Committee was also present but left the hearing for a short period to deal with an unrelated issue.

 

The Service Manager (Regulatory Services) presented the report and outlined details of the application.

 

A representation was received on 1 August 2025 from eight members of public/business owners operating on Granby Street. The representation related to crime and disorder, public safety and prevention of public nuisance.  The members of public stated they had observed a consistent pattern of disruptive behaviour associated with the operation of the premises, which was negatively affecting their businesses, customers and the wider environment of Granby Street. The most serious and ongoing issues included loitering and littering, when a group of the customers regularly congregated outside the premises, often smoking, littering and staying well over the current closing time of 11pm. The members of public added that the patrons of the premises constantly parked on pavements and in pedestrian zones, thus not only obstructing foot traffic, but creating hazard for delivery vehicles and emergency access. The disorder and disruption caused by these issues diminished the appeal of Granby Street, especially during evening hours.

 

A representation was received on 2 August 2025 from a member of public. The representation related to crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance and public safety. The member of public stated that the establishment had consistently demonstrated inability to control the behaviour of its customers – they were often seen loitering and littering outside the premises, particularly in the late evening hours. Allowing the premises to be open until the requested hours would only exacerbate the existing problems, increasing nuisance, safety concerns and overall reduce the attractiveness of Granby Street to families, visitors and local businesses.

 

A representation was received on 4 August 2025 from a member of public. The representation related to crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance. The member of public stated that the reason for the representation lay in the ongoing and escalating issues arising from the behaviour of the customers, which the business appeared either unwilling or unable to manage. The patrons constantly parked in the pedestrian zone, blocking access to taxi drivers, food delivery partners and emergency services, and severely disrupted operations of nearby businesses. Despite being aware of the disruption, no visible efforts were made by the business to discourage or prevent this misconduct.  In addition, the patrons were frequently seen smoking, loitering and congregating outside the premises, particularly during late evening hours, thus creating an uncivil and unwelcome environment especially for the elderly and vulnerable.

 

A petition representation was received on 4 August 2025 from seventeen members of public. The representation related to crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance. Members of public stated that the business operated until 11pm and even within these hours was already causing considerable disruption to the peace and wellbeing of neighbouring residents and businesses – the customers parked along Granby Street, obstructing pavements and pedestrian access. Furthermore, it was a regular occurrence to see groups of customers loitering outside the premises late into the night, smoking, littering and conversing loudly, thus causing repeated loss of sleep, anxiety and frustration for residents. Extending the hours for the premises would only worsen the already deteriorated quality of life and actively discourage families and professionals from living in the city centre.

 

A representation was received on 4 August 2025 from a member of public. The representation related to crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance. The member of public stated that the business already caused issues to the residents and businesses, by the patrons parking on the street obstructing pavements and pedestrian access and grouping outside the premises, smoking, loitering and conversing loudly. Allowing the requested opening hours to the business would only worsen the already deteriorating quality of life for both the residents and businesses.

 

Ms Gilligan and the representees were given the opportunity to outline the details of the objectors’ representation and answered questions from Members and officers. An email containing the City Mayor’s response to the parking issues in the area was submitted to the Sub-Committee at the meeting with the agreement of the applicant.

 

The applicant were given the opportunity to address the Sub-Committee and answered questions from the Members.

 

All parties present were then given the opportunity to sum up their positions and make any final comments.

 

The Sub-Committee received legal advice from the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee in the presence of all those present and were advised of the options available to them in making their decision. The Sub-Committee were also advised of the relevant policy and statutory guidance that needed to be taken into account when making their decision.

 

In reaching their decision, Members felt they should deliberate in private on the basis that this was in the public interest, and as such outweighed the public interest of their deliberation taking place with the parties represented present, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005.

 

The Chair announced that the decision and reasons would be announced in writing within five working days. The Chair informed the meeting that the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee would be called back to give advice on the wording of the decision.

 

The Sub-Committee recalled the Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee to give advice on the wording of the decision.

 

RESOLVED:

The Sub-Committee’s decision is that it is appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives to GRANT the application for authorisation of the provision of Late Night Refreshment indoors at Teatime, 122 Granby Street, Leicester between 11pm and 2am Monday to Saturday and from 11pm to midnight on a Sunday.

The grant is subject to the conditions consistent with the Operating Schedule detailed in Appendix C of the Licensing Officer’s Report as amended by the Measures to Promote the Licensing Objectives detailed in the Applicant’s additional information (pages 2-3) and further modified by the Sub-Committee.

 

The conditions are:

1.    The licence holder shall ensure that a High Definition CCTV system provides continuous coverage of all public areas, entrances, and exits. Footage shall be stored for a minimum of 31 days and made available to authorities on request.

2.    The licence holder shall ensure that all staff shall receive training in conflict management, responsible service, and incident reporting. Refresher training shall be conducted every 6 months.

3.    The licence holder shall ensure that a SIA-licensed door supervisor shall be employed at the premises daily from 11pm until closing. The supervisor shall wear a body camera. Footage shall be stored for a minimum of 31 days and made available to authorities on request.

4.    The licence holder shall ensure that a bound and numbered incident log shall be maintained and made available for inspection to authorities on request.

5.    The licence holder shall ensure that fire risk assessments are reviewed quarterly and that fire extinguishers and alarms are maintained and tested regularly as required and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and the fire risk assessments.

6.    The licence holder shall ensure that a fully stocked first aid kit is available on-site, and that at least one trained first aider is present daily from 11pm until closing.

7.    The licence holder shall ensure that a maximum occupancy limit is set in accordance with the fire risk assessments and monitored to prevent overcrowding.

8.    The licence holder shall ensure that furniture and fixtures are arranged to ensure clear access to emergency exits and unobstructed walkways.

9.    The licence holder shall ensure that staff routinely monitor pavements and access routes, keeping them unobstructed for pedestrians and emergency services.

10. The licence holder shall actively collaborate with parking enforcement agencies (01164542525) and use clear signage and verbal reminders to deter illegal parking by customers and delivery drivers.

11. The licence holder shall ensure that enhanced exterior lighting is used to bolster visibility for the safety for patrons and the public.

12. The licence holder shall ensure that doors and windows shall remain closed after 11pm, except for access and egress. No outdoor music or internal amplified music shall be played.

13. The licence holder shall ensure staff conduct hourly litter checks outside the premises and provide bins for customer use.

14. The licence holder shall ensure that prominent "Leave quietly" signage is in place at all exits and within the premises.

15. The licence holder shall ensure that prominent signage is in place within the premises asking customers not to park vehicles in contravention of parking restrictions.

16. The licence holder shall ensure that a controlled dispersal policy monitored by staff ensures orderly customer departures and discourages loitering or congregating outside the premises.

17. The licence holder shall ensure that no deliveries or waste collections occur between 10pm and 7am.

18. The licence holder shall ensure that smoking is limited to a designated area equipped with ashtrays.

19. The licence holder shall ensure that the premises are closed daily within 15 minutes of the end of the provision of Late Night Refreshment (Monday to Saturday at 2am and Sunday at midnight). The 15 minute period is to allow for closure procedures to be undertaken and not for customers to consume previously purchased Late Night Refreshment. 

20. The licence holder shall ensure that no age-restricted products are sold at the premises.

21. The licence holder shall ensure that all staff are trained to identify and report signs of child exploitation or vulnerability.

22. The licence holder shall ensure that children under 16 are not present on the premises after 11pm unless accompanied by an adult.

23. The licence holder shall ensure that prominent signage is in place within the premises regarding age restrictions and safeguarding policies.

24. The licence holder shall ensure that all staff complete safeguarding awareness training and that staff monitor external areas to prevent minors' exposure to antisocial behaviour.

 

REASONS

 

In considering the application by Teatime Ltd for a Premises Licence authorising Late Night Refreshment indoors at Teatime, 122 Granby Street, Leicester between 11pm and 2am Monday to Saturday and from 11pm to midnight on a Sunday, the Sub-Committee has considered the Licensing Officer’s Report and all the relevant representations, both written and oral. The Sub-Committee has taken account of all relevant legislation, the Statutory Guidance, the Regulators’ Code, and the Council’s Licensing Policy. The Sub-Committee has had regard in its deliberations to the steps appropriate to promote the licensing objectives in the overall interest of the local community and has decided the matter on its merits on the evidence presented to it. The Sub-Committee has had regard to the public sector equality duty detailed in section 149 the Equality Act 2010 and has taken a risk based approach to its decision which has been made on the balance of probability. The Sub-Committee has, as it is required to do, limited its deliberation to the promotion of the licensing objectives (with each licensing objective being of equal importance) and nothing outside of those parameters.

 

The application was made by Tea Time Leicester Ltd. The Company was incorporated on 30 March 2023. Mohammed Isaac Chelath Pattanmarilthodi is the sole Director. Abdul Haseeb Valiyakath is detailed at Companies House as the person with significant control of the Company.

 

Teatime is a Qatari brand Café on Granby Street offering tea and light refreshments. It has approximately 32 seats inside. The premises has the benefit of a Pavement Licence (Business and Planning Act 2020) which authorises 4 tables and 12 chairs outside from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

 

Late night refreshment involves the supply of ‘hot food or hot drink’ between the hours of 11pm and 5am to the public for consumption on or off the premises.

 

The Sub-Committee noted Granby Street is detailed as an area of Special Interest in the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 in terms of alcohol related crime and disorder, ant-social behaviour and noise pollution. The Sub-Committee also noted that no representations had been received from any of the Responsible Authorities.

 

Representations were received in opposition to the application from local residents and local businesses based on the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. The representations have a common theme.

 

They refer to illegal and nuisance parking outside the premises. They indicate that customers constantly park the pavement and in pedestrian zones. Some customers wait to be served in their vehicles. The illegal / nuisance parking obstructs foot traffic and creates a hazard for delivery vehicles and emergency access. They refer to existing loitering and littering issues, where customers regularly congregate outside the premises well beyond the current closing time of 11pm. The residents indicate the current position affects their sleep and causes them anxiety and frustration. The businesses indicate the current position is negatively affecting their businesses, customers and the wider environment of Granby Street. The residents and businesses believe granting the Licence will exacerbate the existing problems and increase nuisance and safety concerns.

 

The Sub-Committee was informed by the representers’ legal representative that businesses had offered direct discussion with the applicant who they believe has been either unwilling or unable to address the issues. The applicant had failed to meet with them.

 

The representers’ legal representative, with the agreement of the applicant, provided the Sub-Committee with email correspondence from the Mayor dated 05/08/25. In that correspondence the Major acknowledges the parking / traffic issues in the area, noting that since the beginning of the year more than 2,000 vehicle observations had been recorded, resulting in the issue of 1,079 fines. Although resources do not permit continuous traffic patrols in the area there had been an increase in patrols. The Mayor confirms the progression of plans to install rising bollards at the top end of Granby Street, with the work expected to commence in the near future and the bollards fully operational by summer 2026.

 

The representees accept that when completed, the rising bollards will resolve the traffic / parking issues. However, for the present they are concerned that the current issues will continue and will be exacerbated until the bollards are operational. They also indicate that noise, litter and loitering issues will not be resolved by the bollards.

 

The representees do not object to the applicant operating a business but rather their representations relate to the manner in which the applicant operates the business. They ask that the application is refused until such time as the applicant evidences by it actions that it is dealing with the issues it has until now shown no willingness to address.

 

In its written application, the applicant had set out a number of conditions which might be attached to a Licence. The applicant proposed amendment to these conditions at the hearing. In brief, the applicant accepted there were traffic / parking issues in the area. These issues were not limited to the Teatime premises. Other businesses contributed to the issues. The applicant welcomed the installation of bollards. The conditions proposed by the applicant included the provision of a High Definition CCTV system at the premises covering all public areas, entrances and exits, the provision of litter checks, the display of parking signage and signage requesting customers to disperse quietly, and the employment of a SIA door supervisor daily from 11pm until closing who would oversee customer conduct, discourage loitering and ensure effective dispersal. The applicant questioned the intentions of some of the representations suggesting that offers to meet with the applicant had not been made in good faith. However, the applicant was prepared to hold quarterly meetings with residents and businesses to discuss issues going forward.

 

The Sub-Committee was not being asked to regulate parts of the applicant’s business operation which are not licensable eg. the operation of the business before 11pm. The Sub-Committee was not reviewing the existing Pavement Licence. Commercial considerations are not relevant.

 

The Statutory Guidance makes it clear that the Sub-Committee should look to the police as the main source of advice on crime and disorder. The Police have not provided any crime figures and in truth the resident and business representations against the application do not refer to any specific criminal activities other than illegal parking.

 

The applicant correctly indicated that it was not responsible for enforcing parking regulations, that is for the Council. However, it was open to the Sub-Committee to decide that the area is not able, when applying the licensing objectives, to deal with the level of traffic involved in the operation of the applicant’s provision of Late Night Refreshment. That option remains open to any future Sub-Committee in the event of review of the Licence.

 

The parties agreed that there are serious traffic issues in the area. The correspondence from the Mayor details the large number of parking infringements actioned since the beginning of 2025. The Sub-Committee was provided with a number of photographs illustrating the problems. It is clear that the issues are not restricted to the operation of Teatime.

 

The Sub-Committee was concerned that the conditions now offered by the applicant had not, where appropriate, been put in place previously.

 

The Sub-Committee was concerned that the parties had not been able to discuss the issues prior to the hearing. It is not necessary or helpful to apportion blame for this failure but in granting the application the Sub-Committee expects the applicant to offer quarterly meetings with residents and businesses to discuss any issues that arise from the grant of the Licence. To be clear these meetings are not required by condition under the Licence. However, the onus is on the applicant, as in the event the Licence requires review by the Sub-Committee at any future stage the Sub-Committee will at that time consider the steps taken by the applicant to facilitate these meetings.

 

The Sub-Committee believes the conditions subject to which the Licence is granted deal with the representations which have been made. The conditions are appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives and they are proportionate.