The Met has pressed Waltham Forest Council to revoke Carribean Eatery’s license after a man was shot in the venue’s vicinity

A Blackhorse Lane venue could lose its license after police were called to several violent incidents in its vicinity.

Police have pressed Waltham Forest Council to revoke the venue’s license after a man was hospitalised after being shot close to its entrance.

In an application filed by the Metropolitan Police for the venue’s license to be revoked, the Met says it was “concerned that customers have entered the premises with firearms”, though “acknowledged” the premises had worked with them after the reported incidents.

Called Caribbean Eatery, the event space in Uplands Business Park, near Blackhorse Lane, caters for wedding and funeral receptions. On Sundays the venue used to run a public event offering food and music but this has been stopped following the shooting.

On 17th June at 10.50pm, police were called to reports of a shooting near Caribbean Eatery. Police allege that the venue permitted entry of people carrying firearms. Caribbean Eatery denies that anyone carrying firearms was allowed inside.

In their report police state that 25 men arrived at the venue at 10.20pm and were denied entry. CCTV checked by police shows attempts by security staff to keep them from entering the venue. The incident is reported by police to be between those arriving and a group already within the venue.

According to police, CCTV evidence shows that those who discharged firearms, and the man who was shot were all inside the venue before the shooting happened.

Police were also called to the venue on 4th June when a fight between two sisters led to one suffering a minor cut to her hand. In their license review application the police said one of the sisters assaulted the other with a “blade of some description”. Carribean Eatery told the Echo that the hand injury was sustained outside the venue and was caused by broken glass, not a blade.

The venue is currently fully licensed to sell alcohol and play live or recorded music between 10am and 10.30pm between Monday and Thursday, between 11pm and 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and between 11pm and 12.30am on Sundays.

The license will be reviewed at Waltham Forest Council licencing committee meeting this Thursday (7th September).

In response to the license review, Carribean Eatery said: “First and foremost, we would like to express our commitment to upholding the highest standards of responsible business practices within our community. Our establishment takes the responsibility associated with our premises license very seriously, and we have always strived to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our patrons and the surrounding neighborhood.

We understand that concerns regarding the revocation of premises licenses are raised in order to ensure the well-being and harmony of our community. We are fully cooperative and supportive of any efforts aimed at addressing any issues that may have led to such discussions.”

Caribbean Eatery added: “It is essential to highlight that we have an established track record of compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to alcohol service, public safety, noise control, and responsible patron conduct. We have consistently worked closely with local law enforcement, community organisations, and regulatory bodies to address any concerns promptly and effectively. Moreover, we have implemented various measures to minimise any negative impact on our neighbours and have maintained an open line of communication with them to address their concerns.

In light of the recent discussions surrounding the revocation of our premises license, we are committed to further enhancing our practices, if necessary, to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our community. We are open to engaging in constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and concerned residents, to collaboratively identify solutions that promote the well-being of our community and address any issues that may have been raised.”

Update: This article has been updated to state that the venue no longer runs public events on Sundays, and has been updated with comment and context provided by a spokesperson from Caribbean Eatery.

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