V’s Burgers in Hale End Road has been given permission to stay open until 1am on weekends, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter
A burger restaurant in Highams Park has been given permission to close up to two hours later and serve alcohol later into the night.
V’s Burgers, in Hale End Road, will now close at midnight on weekdays and at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. It currently closes at 11pm each night, except for a 10pm finish on Sundays.
It will also serve alcohol until 12.30am on weekends – for both seated customers and for patrons to drink off-site.
The owners of the restaurant, situated near the Highams Park tube stop, initially applied to Waltham Forest Council to close at 2.30am each night.
However, they amended their application after discussions with the Metropolitan Police, whose licensing team works with councils’ to prevent crime and nuisance.
After a brief hearing today (29th May), the council’s licensing committee approved the request.
Around eight residents had opposed the plans, raising concerns with the council about an “influx of drinkers” leading to a rise in antisocial behaviour.
One resident said there was a “lack of demand” from locals, who are predominantly young families and elderly people. He said he was worried that “people looking to drink into the early hours” would have “no respect” for their concerns and may behave “as they would in the West End, City or central London”.
He added: “This isn’t a case of NIMBYism [Not In My Back Yard], though I appreciate it may come across like that. But there is no local demand for a late licence in the middle of a residential area like Highams Park.”
Others called the restaurant’s requests to play live music until 2am “excessive”. The council ended up granting them permission to play recorded music until 1am on weekends, and until midnight on weekdays, in line with when they close.
In a bid to keep disruption to a minimum and prevent crime and disorder, the owners say they will use a “comprehensive CCTV system” covering the entrances and exits. Staff responsible for selling alcohol will also receive “regular training” and a daily incident log will be kept to record any crimes reported to the venue, any patrons ejected, incidents in the venue and any complaints received.
The restaurant will also operate the ‘Challenge 25’ policy, where customers who look younger than 25 years old will be asked for ID to purchase alcohol.
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