The Met Police told councillors they feared another late-night premises in the area would worsen antisocial behaviour, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Antep Tas Firin in Fore Street, Edmonton

An Angel Edmonton takeaway has lost its bid to open into the early hours of the morning after concerns over potential crime and disorder were raised.

Antep Tas Firin, a Turkish food outlet in Fore Street, hoped to be granted a licence to serve hot food until 3.30am and stay open until 4am – five hours later than currently.

The business argued the proposed move was “consistent with local commercial activity”.

But the Metropolitan Police told Enfield Council’s licensing sub-committee yesterday (Wednesday 7th) of its concerns over noise issues, possible crime and disorder, and the business already operating without a late-night licence following a check-up in February.

To serve hot food past 11pm, restaurants are required to gain permission from the local council.

Designated Met Police licensing officer, Pantelitsa Yianni, said: “While there will be no alcohol served at the premises we cannot completely eradicate the risk to public nuisance and crime and prevention.

“The area is currently under a police operation called Operation Pisces, as this is a high crime and antisocial behaviour [ASB] area [in] Upper Edmonton ward.

“This operation has been running in the area for over a year to date and adding another late-night establishment would bring more people, possible crime and ASB to the area which police and residents are working hard to clean up.”

A representation was originally received from the council, proposing new times and conditions, however these were agreed and the objection withdrawn.

Ibrahim Sayar, Antep Tas Firin’s managing director, argued the premises would not sell alcohol and was a takeaway, so congregation on site would be “minimal”.

He also highlighted a CCTV system was in place and that the business was open to amending its terminal operating hours to 2am “if required”.

The police reported arrests for “immigration offences” involving workers at the premises were made on the day of the check-up.

However, Ibrahim denied that any arrests were made and clarified the individuals involved were his siblings who resided at the same address and offered “voluntary, unpaid support”.

He added a civil penalty notice was issued following the visit, which the business was challenging.

However, the committee, following discussions, decided to refuse the application.

Committee chair Mahym Bedekova said: “The licensing sub-committee, having considered written submissions of the applicant and given equal consideration to their written submissions in their absence and listened to the written and oral submissions of the police and evidence provided by immigration officers has, on balance, made the decision to refuse the new premises licence application.”

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